The WNBA preseason is quickly winding down as the regular season tips off on Tuesday, May 14.
Here are a few takeaways and other observations from the 2024 preseason to help fantasy managers gain an edge in fantasy women's basketball this season.
Caitlin Clark stuffs the stat sheet for the Indiana Fever
Clark is making waves for the Indiana Fever. As the No. 1 pick in this year's WNBA draft, she's bringing the momentum from her historic NCAA season with the Iowa Hawkeyes to the professional stage. Clark's arrival marks a new wave of interest in women's basketball, and she's living up to the hype. In the Fever's two preseason games, the rookie has showcased her talent with solid all-around performances. Against the Dallas Wings, she dropped an impressive 21 points. Then, facing the Atlanta Dream, she tallied 12 points in 32 minutes while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out six assists. With her versatile skill set, Clark is poised to excel in the WNBA. Fantasy managers should feel confident adding this rookie sensation to their team.
Ariel Atkins is positioned for a huge season with the Washington Mystics
Atkins closed out the preseason with an impressive performance, accumulating 20 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the Mystics' final preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx. Her performance offers fantasy managers a glimpse of her potential for the upcoming season. With Elena Delle Donne stepping away from basketball this year, Atkins could become the Mystics' leading scorer. Given her talent and role on the team, Atkins is an excellent player to target in the later rounds of your fantasy draft.
Crystal Dangerfield could return to form with the Atlanta Dream
The Dream acquired guard Dangerfield from the Wings in early May in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2025. She averaged 16.2 PPG and 3.6 APG during the 2020 season, which culminated in her being recognized as the Rookie of the Year, but has bounced around the league since then because of her inconsistent play. With Dangerfield's arrival, it suggests that the Dream may not be completely comfortable with Haley Jones, the No. 6 pick in 2023. Also, there is uncertainty about Jordin Canada and how long she'll be out because of a hand injury. The Dream also recently waived guard Destanni Henderson. Dangerfield is someone fantasy managers shouldn't overlook near the end of their drafts.
Angel Reese could exceed our projections
Much like Clark, Reese has showcased her versatility for fantasy managers this preseason. In the Chicago Sky's final preseason game against the New York Liberty, she had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in just 19 minutes. With rookie Kamilla Cardoso sidelined for the first month of the season because of a shoulder injury, Reese shouldn't be overlooked in the later rounds of drafts. She has the potential to contribute across multiple statistical categories, and with ample playing time, fantasy points are likely to follow.
Kiah Stokes is set for an increased role in the Las Vegas Aces' frontcourt
Stokes missed the final game of the 2023 WNBA Finals with a foot injury, but is back for the 2024 season. She started last season while Candace Parker was out with an ankle injury. Despite being an inconsistent scorer, Stokes remains an elite rebounder and shot-blocker, averaging 11.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes. Although she'll face competition for minutes from offseason addition Megan Gustafson, Stokes is projected for 22.0 minutes per game as the Aces seek to fill the void left by Parker's retirement. It's wise not to overlook her potential, especially toward the end of your fantasy draft.
Jacy Sheldon could have a big impact this season on the Dallas Wings
Sheldon was selected fifth overall by the Wings in the WNBA draft. In Dallas' preseason game against the Fever on May 3, she scored six points and dished out two assists in 13 minutes of play. The Wings are in need of improved guard play because of a lack of depth in the backcourt following Dangerfield's departure, which bodes well for Sheldon's prospects this season. During her time at Ohio State, she achieved an impressive milestone, becoming one of just three players in school history to amass 1,900 points, 400 rebounds, 350 assists, 200 steals, and 150 made 3-pointers in their career. The other two players to accomplish this feat were Samantha Prahalis and Kelsey Mitchell. Don't hesitate to take a flier on Sheldon at the end of your fantasy draft or at least add her to the top of your watch list.