Copper underwent an arthroscopic procedure on her left knee earlier this week. While the procedure was successful, the Mercury star will miss at least four weeks. Sami Whitcomb was Copper’s replacement in the starting lineup for Phoenix’s preseason finale and should hold onto that role when the team begins its regular season Saturday night. She’s worth rostering while Copper sits, especially in deeper fantasy leagues.

While the Aces shot just 34.2 percent from the field on Saturday, Wilson did not struggle. The reigning MVP shot 50 percent from the field and recorded her 100th career double-double. Wilson is just the sixth player in WNBA history to reach that milestone, and she isn’t done adding accomplishments to her résumé. There’s still a lot of basketball to be played this season, so there should not be too much panic regarding Wilson’s supporting cast. The Aces finish their two-game road trip on Tuesday when they visit the Sun.

The Liberty combined to shoot 4-of-21 from three on Saturday but still won comfortably due to their ability to get into the restricted area consistently. Eight of Stewart’s 10 field goals were made in that area of the court, and she shot just over 71 percent in the season opener. Something to watch this season would be Stewart’s three-point shooting. She missed both attempts on Saturday and shot a career-low 29.5 percent in 2024. Stewart doesn’t need the three-point shot to provide elite value, but getting back on track would raise an already sky-high ceiling.

Initially questionable for Saturday’s season opener, Van Lith has officially been cleared to play. She’ll serve as Courtney Vandersloot’s backup. While this limits Van Lith’s fantasy ceiling in the short term, being mentored by a veteran of Vandersloot’s caliber should benefit the rookie in the future.

With Plum being traded to the Sparks this offseason, many believed this could be a spot where she’d flourish from a statistical standpoint. If Friday’s performance is a sign of what’s to come, those with Plum rostered will be in phenomenal shape. According to Justin Russo, Plum is the first player in league history to record at least 35 points, five assists and five steals in a game. Expecting Plum to go for 30-plus consistently may be a bit much, but she’s well-positioned to provide excellent fantasy value in 2025.

Bueckers’ highly anticipated rookie debut was met with mixed results. The No. 1 pick started strong with a couple of early baskets and four first-quarter points before struggling to find the shooting touch the remainder of the way. Still, Bueckers landed in double figures on the night and found a way to make an impact in other areas, securing more rebounds than any other Dallas player and registering a block on the defensive end. She wasn’t the most impressive rookie on Friday night, but is still expected to be the most productive rookie in fantasy leagues throughout the season.

Collier rolled into the 2025 season much like how she ended the previous, with high-level scoring and moments where she appeared unstoppable. Specifically, Collier’s takeover moment in Friday’s victory came in the third quarter, where she logged 18 points to put the Lynx in firm control heading into the final frame. Though the reigning defensive player of the year didn’t record a block or steal, it’s too early for fantasy managers to worry. Collier provided contributions as a passer, in addition to her scoring, showing in this opening game exactly why she has a chance to be a top finisher in fantasy leagues this season.

Griner had a somewhat slow start to her debut with Atlanta before really getting things going late in this one. The 10-time WNBA All-Star put together a spirited fourth-quarter effort on the offensive end to nearly catapult the Dream to a come-from-behind victory. Though the jersey was different for the first time in her WNBA career, Griner remained productive inside the arc, both at the rim and in the midrange, and was a presence at the rim defensively. Griner will only grow in comfort while getting acclimated to her new team, which should leave fantasy managers optimistic about her season.

The lower back contusion that sidelined Edwards for the preseason will also keep her out for Washington’s season opener. Her absence will mean more playing time for Emily Engstler and Kiki Iriafen. Engstler started Washington’s preseason games at the four and should remain in that role until Edwards is cleared to return. Iriafen, one of the Mystics’ three first-round picks, offers a higher long-term upside than Engstler.