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 André Snellings. It's never too late to sign up for your own ESPN league.
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Aug. 17: Four free agent pickups to add
André Snellings: The ESPN Fantasy playoffs are off and running and, for those still in the action, production is at a season-high premium. Teams can no longer afford to wait on injured players to return or for cold players to get more minutes and break out of slumps. Fantasy managers need to maximize their lineup every day moving forward to "survive and advance" to the next round of the playoffs.
With such urgency in play, we're here to help you keep your team operating at its best by pointing out some players that may be available on your free agency wire that are performing well enough to be worthy of rostering or streaming. In default leagues, the semifinals end on Sunday.
Ezi Magbegor, C, Seattle Storm (rostered in 35.4% of ESPN Leagues): Magbegor has battled injury all season, but finally returned to the Storm's starting lineup at the start of the month and has ramped up the pace in her last couple of games with averages of 15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.0 BPG and 1.5 3PG in 25.5 MPG.
Tiffany Hayes, G, Golden State Valkyries (28.9%): Hayes has been on a roll since the All-Star break. Over her last six games, she has averaged 13.8 PPG, 3.7 APG and 1.8 SPG.
Isabelle Harrison, F, Toronto Tempo (27.1%): Harrison moved into the starting lineup last game and is in for a bigger role with Nyara Sabally sidelined. Harrison grabbed 10 rebounds, dished five assists and notched three combined blocks and steals over 30 minutes, continuing her trend of production when starting this season.
Courtney Vandersloot, G, Chicago Sky (27.2%): Vandersloot turned in another strong game on Sunday, scoring 15 points with five assists, five boards, four steals and two 3-pointers in 30 minutes. She continues to start, and has a larger role with both Skylar Diggins and Sydney Taylor sidelined. Over her last six outings, Vandersloot has averaged 10.5 PPG, 5.5 APG, 1.5 3PG and 1.3 SPG.
Aug. 14: Weekend preview and streaming picks
Eric Moody: The WNBA season in its final stretch, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. The Minnesota Lynx became the first team to clinch a spot after Kayla McBride set a league record with 10 3-pointers against the Dallas Wings earlier this week, and the Las Vegas Aces have since joined the Lynx in the postseason.
The Seattle Storm have already been eliminated, while the Washington Mystics hold a six-game lead over the Portland Fire for the final playoff spot. The fantasy playoffs are underway, making the right streaming decisions even more important.
Fantasy stream team
Let's look at some streaming options rostered in fewer than 50% of ESPN leagues, with two games scheduled Friday, three more on Saturday and three on Sunday.
Megan DiLeo, F/C, Portland Fire (48.7% rostered)
DiLeo is in the midst of her most productive season yet. She's averaged 24.1 fantasy points and 25.8 minutes per game over her last seven games. The Fire play twice over the next three days, making DiLeo a great option for managers in need of help at F/C.
Naz Hillmon, F/C, Atlanta Dream (27.8%)
Hillmon has scored at least 20 fantasy points in three of her last four games and has a steady role in Atlanta's rotation, averaging 28.8 MPG this season. Hillmon also benefits from playing in a productive Dream offense that ranks sixth in offensive rating.
Courtney Vandersloot, G, Chicago Sky (25.0%)
Vandersloot has averaged 20.2 FPPG and 20.5 MPG this season. She doesn't provide a huge ceiling at this stage of her career but does provide you with a high floor. Vandersloot should find success on Sunday against a Storm team that ranks 11th in defensive rating.
Jade Melbourne, G, Seattle Storm (20.1%)
Melbourne has scored at least 23 fantasy points in three of her last five games while averaging 25.8 minutes per game over that span. She continues to have a substantial role in Seattle's offense, with enough scoring and playmaking opportunities to remain a reliable streaming option. The Storm also play twice over the next three days, adding to Melbourne's appeal.
Teja Oblak, G, Portland Fire (3.9%)
Oblak is on the streaming radar in deeper leagues. The rookie is trending up and scored 34 fantasy points in 22 minutes against the Lynx on Wednesday. She also draws favorable matchups against the Storm and Phoenix Mercury this weekend, with both teams ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive rating.