Fantasy women’s hoops: Does your lineup need more 3-point shooting? Two pickups to makeJovana Nogic’s 3-pointers have been very important to the Mercury’s success, and she’s available in over 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues. AP Photo/Ross D. FranklinESPN FantasyMay 28, 2026, 02:45 PM ETClose
The daily news and notes around the WNBA have actionable value when applied to fantasy women’s basketball. From lineup changes to hot streaks to injury news, check this page regularly for updates from ESPN’s fantasy analysts Eric Moody and Andre Snellings. It’s never too late to sign up for your own ESPN league. Create or join a league, and play for free today!
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May 28: The 3-point shooters you need in Fantasy Women’s Basketball
Eric Moody: WNBA teams have averaged 85.9 points per game this season, which remains on pace to surpass the 2020 season average of 83.1 PPG for the highest mark in league history. Plus, a total of 33 players are currently averaging at least 4.0 3-point field goal attempts per game, which is on pace to be the most in a season in league history. We also have eight players shooting at least 40% on at least 4.0 3-point attempts per game, which is also on pace to be the most in a season in league history.
The number of 3-pointers made and attempted per game has increased dramatically since 2017. Over the last 10 seasons, teams that make more 3-pointers than their opponent in a regular-season game have also seen an increase in win percentage. With that stated, let’s look at two players available in over 50% of ESPN leagues who can help fantasy managers capitalize on this trend.
Jovana Nogic, G, Phoenix Mercury (rostered in 29.3% of ESPN leagues)
Nogic has quickly become an important part of the Mercury’s offense because of how well she spaces the floor. She averaged 21.4 fantasy points per game while shooting 52.3% from 3-point range on 5.5 attempts per game, which is a remarkable start and gives Phoenix another reliable perimeter threat.
That matters because the Mercury’s offense is built around creating quality looks, especially from beyond the arc. When Nogic is on the floor, defenses have to respect her shooting, which opens up more space for Alyssa Thomas to operate as a passer and playmaker. Her ability to work off the ball, relocate and punish defenses from the perimeter makes the Mercury harder to guard in the half court. There will be challenges as teams become more physical with her and pay closer attention to her off the ball, but so far, Nogic looks like a great fit. Her shooting gives the Mercury a needed boost and could become even more valuable once the team gets closer to full strength.
Sydney Taylor, G, Chicago Sky (0.5%)
Taylor has played at least 20 minutes in two consecutive games because of the injuries the Sky are dealing with, and she’s delivered. She’s scored at least 18 fantasy points in back-to-back games, including a career-best 36 fantasy points Wednesday night against the Toronto Tempo. Taylor, who signed a training camp contract with the organization on April 13 and later made the 12-player official roster, finished with 27 points, two rebounds and two assists off the bench.
Her offensive execution was impressive, and she showcased her ability to score at all three levels. Taylor’s 27 points also tied for the most by any player off the bench this season. She appears to be carving out a role in the Sky’s rotation as Chicago awaits the returns of DiJonai Carrington and Courtney Vandersloot. Taylor has averaged 5.4 3-point attempts per game this season, so the volume is there. She’s shooting just 22.2% from beyond the arc, but if her efficiency improves, Taylor’s fantasy ceiling could climb even higher.
May 26: Season debuts and weekly pickups
After a big 22-point game, Aces forward NaLyssa Smith is a great pickup for this upcoming week. Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty ImagesAndre Snellings: There’s been some exciting action in the WNBA, and we’re here for it. The New York Liberty have lost three straight games to fall out of the top of the early standings, but more importantly to their long-term outlook, both Sabrina Ionescu (foot) and Satou Sabally (cyst) made their season debuts. Both are taking it slow, moving in and out of the lineup as they adjust to game action and (in Sabally’s case) illness, but getting them in the fold will ultimately be major for the Liberty’s championship aspirations and (more importantly to us) their team’s fantasy production.
Other nuggets from around the league:
The Atlanta Dream are off to an impressive start to the season. They lost a one-point thriller to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces even with superstar Rhyne Howard (concussion) sidelined. They also won a close road game over the Minnesota Lynx and most recently defeated the other defending finalist Phoenix Mercury. Howard only missed the one game, and in her two games back has dropped 25 points and 8 assists followed by 21 points and 8 rebounds.
One of the most exciting games of the week saw the Los Angeles Sparks defeat the Aces 101-95. All five Sparks starters scored in double-figures, but former Ace Kelsey Plum led the way with 38 points and nine assists against her former team. The Aces were led by MVP A’ja Wilson’s 24 points and 15 rebounds, but also got a big game from NaLyssa Smith.
Finally, rookies are on the rise. While Olivia Miles of the Lynx is the early favorite for rookie of the year, Pauline Astier of the Liberty has put up big numbers with Ionescu and Sabally sidelined. No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd just set a career-high with 24 points and six 3-pointers, and Kiki Rice has stepped into the starting lineup. More on her below.
Let’s take a closer look at four players who fantasy managers might consider targeting if they are available in your leagues.
Four players to target in free agency
NaLyssa Smith, F, Las Vegas Aces (rostered in 28.9% of ESPN leagues): Smith is making the most of her role as the big next to MVP Wilson who gets to finish against softer defenses. She’s shooting a whopping 69.2% from the field and has scored in double digits in four of her six games, including a 22-point, 9-rebound effort in her last game.
Kiki Rice, G, Toronto Tempo (rostered in 33.4% of ESPN leagues): Rice is the first draft pick of the expansion Tempo, and she came off the bench for her first three WNBA games, But she has started the four games since and is putting together an impact early resume, averaging 16.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 3.0 APG in those four starts.
Natisha Hiedeman, G, Seattle Storm (rostered in 22.3% of ESPN leagues): Hiedeman is taking on a lead role for the Storm, both as a scorer and as a facilitator. In her last three games, she has averaged 18.5 PPG and 4.5 APG in 29.0 MPG.
Emily Engstler, F, Portland Fire (rostered in 28.9% of ESPN leagues): Engstler is making a name for herself as a defender, racking up the defensive stats. She has at least three blocked shots in four of her seven games so far, and has multiple steals in four of seven as well. She has put it all together in her last two games, with a total of 14 stocks against the Liberty and Tempo.
May 22: Weekend preview and streaming picks
Kiki Rice of the Toronto Tempo is available in three quarters of ESPN leagues. David Sherman/NBAE via Getty ImagesEric Moody: Nearly two weeks into the WNBA season, scoring is already one of the biggest storylines. Teams are averaging 87.1 points per game, which is on pace to surpass the 2020 season average of 83.1 PPG for the highest mark in league history. Fourteen of the league’s 15 teams are averaging at least 80.0 PPG. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is averaging 24.3 PPG, tied for fourth in the league, while her 9.0 APG leads the league. Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Plum are also the only players averaging at least 20.0 PPG and 5.0 APG.
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This is also a good point in the season to start identifying defensive matchups. Some defenses may force you to reset expectations for players on your roster, while others could provide favorable spots to target. The Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces, Fever and Chicago Sky lead the league in defensive rating. Defensive rating measures how efficient a defense is. The lower the number, the better the defense. At the bottom of the league in this metric are the Los Angeles Sparks, Portland Fire, Connecticut Sun and Toronto Tempo. That’s something to keep in mind as you navigate upcoming matchups.
Fantasy stream team
Let’s look at some streaming options rostered in fewer than 50% of ESPN leagues, with three games scheduled Friday, three more on Saturday and three more on Sunday.
Gabriela Jaquez, G, Chicago Sky (rostered in 30.9% of ESPN leagues)
The No. 5 overall pick in this year’s draft is off to a fast start. Jaquez has scored at least 21 fantasy points in three of five games and is averaging 29.4 minutes per game this season. Most of her fantasy value comes from scoring, but she also contributes rebounds, a few assists, and steals.
Kiki Rice, G, Toronto Tempo (26.4%)
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Rice is another rookie who is starting to trend up. She’s scored at least 23 fantasy points and played at least 23 minutes in three consecutive games. Rice contributes across every statistical category except steals, which is useful from a streaming standpoint since her usage rate is just 14.0% over that stretch.
Monique Billings, F/C, Indiana Fever (25.4%)
So far this season Billings looks like a natural fit for the Fever because she gives them exactly what head coach Stephanie White values: rebounding, activity, defensive communication, and a hard-diving frontcourt presence. She has averaged 21.3 fantasy points and 26.0 minutes per game this season and gives Indiana a veteran frontcourt presence who brings communication, activity, and defensive stability.
Nia Coffey, F/C, Minnesota Lynx (18.1%)
Coffey’s fantasy production can be up and down, as evidenced by her 15- and seven-fantasy-point outings over the last two games. However, she did flash upside with a season-high 31 fantasy points against the Wings on May 14th. Coffey doesn’t score a ton, but she’s efficient from the field at 64.0% and contributes rebounds, assists and blocks, which adds to her fantasy appeal. She also has a favorable matchup against the Sky on Saturday.
Natisha Hiedeman, G, Seattle Storm (15.2%)
Hiedeman has opened the season well and has seen an uptick in usage with Dominique Malonga sidelined by a concussion. She’s averaging 21.2 fantasy points per game and delivered a season-high 31 fantasy points against the Sun on May 20. Just keep in mind that much of her fantasy value is tied to scoring, which can make her production a little more volatile.
Kiah Stokes, F/C, Golden State Valkyries (13.0%)
Stokes is a starter for the Valkyries and is a reliable streamer because she contributes across multiple statistical categories. She’s scored at least 18 fantasy points in three of four games this season, including one 30-point performance. Stokes is also averaging 23.0 minutes per game.
