As the 2025 WNBA season heats up on July 16, the focus shifts to the upcoming matchups, highlighted by notable players like A’ja Wilson, as the Las Vegas Aces prepare to meet the Dallas Wings. With Major League Baseball on its All-Star break, basketball takes center stage, presenting fans with a compelling slate of games.
The day’s action includes three afternoon matchups, starting with the Atlanta Dream visiting the Chicago Sky at 12:00 p.m. ET, followed by the Phoenix Mercury facing the Minnesota Lynx at 1:00 p.m. ET, and the Golden State Valkyries battling the Seattle Storm at 3:00 p.m. ET. The evening features the Indiana Fever taking on the New York Liberty at 7:30 p.m. ET, culminated by the Aces and Wings showdown at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Injury reports reveal crucial absences affecting team dynamics. The Dream will miss Rhyne Howard due to a knee injury, while the Sky will be without Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins, who are sidelined with leg injuries. These absences open the door for players like Rebecca Allen and Elizabeth Williams to take on increased roles.
The high-flying Aces, despite their inconsistency, are set to benefit from Wilson’s recent performance. She showcased her skills with a remarkable 34-point outing in her last game against the Valkyries, while also grabbing 16 rebounds. Facing a Dallas team that struggles defensively, allowing 86.7 points per game and ranking low in field-goal and three-point percentage defense, a DFS stack of Aces players, particularly featuring Wilson, could be a smart move for fantasy players.
In other notable matchups, the Lynx look to capitalize against a shorthanded Mercury team, where players like Kitija Laksa and DeWanna Bonner may step up. The showdown between the Valkyries and Storm promises to be competitive, although previous meetings suggest the Storm may have the upper hand.
Key DFS considerations include managing salaries and opting for players who can step up in the absence of their more prominent counterparts. If Caitlin Clark (groin) is unable to play for the Fever, other players like Sydney Colson will be crucial.
Overall, with various injuries impacting team performance, strategic lineup building is essential for WNBA DFS players looking to capitalize on the day’s opportunities. With the potential for high-scoring affairs, particularly in the Aces vs. Wings matchup, there’s plenty of excitement ahead in the world of women’s basketball.