Not only will Thomas miss a second straight game with a calf injury, but she also did not travel with the team to Los Angeles. Kitija Laksa started Friday’s loss to the Lynx and will likely retain that role, but Lexi Held saw her playing time increase due to Thomas’ absence.

As the Dream continues to roll, so does Howard, who is establishing herself in her fourth season to be one of the most versatile guards in the league, as shown in a stat sheet-stuffing outing against the Storm. She logged her first 30-point game of the season and tallied at least five rebounds and five assists in the same game for the third time over the last four games. Additionally, she showed her defensive strengths by recording her fifth straight game with at least one block and steal. Not only has Howard been important for the Dream, but she’s also been a big contributor in fantasy leagues.

Due to Alyssa Thomas (calf) not being available, the Mercury required more production from Sabally on Friday. She answered the call, finishing a three-pointer shy of a complete stat line while shooting 50 percent from the field. While the point total was one less than her high as a member of the Mercury, Sabally recorded her first double-double since joining the team this offseason. Even when Thomas has been healthy, Sabally has been a fantasy standout thus far, and there’s no need for managers to question if she can continue on this path.

Wilson bounced back from a quiet performance vs. the Storm to lead the Aces to a double-digit win on Friday. The reigning MVP’s dominant showing led her to her fourth double-double of the season while tallying at least five assists for the second time this season. She was everywhere on the defensive end, per usual, to round out arguably her best performance of the season, one that delivered the Aces a much-needed win. Wilson and the Aces will head back to Seattle for a chance to redeem themselves on Sunday against a Storm team that recently beat them by 20 points.

After an offensive explosion on Thursday night against the Valkyries where she hit six three-pointers and scored 24 points, Ionescu’s scoring tear continued on the second game of the Liberty’s back-to-back where she reached a season high. Ionescu’s shot diet looked a bit different on Friday night. She mixed it up a bit more scoring not just from beyond the arc but also on drives to the rim and in her mid-range. With shots from deep not falling from Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, Ionescu stepped up making 40% of her team’s total three point makes. Ionescu’s scoring was evenly spread as she notched exactly 7 points per quarter against the Mystics.

After five consecutive defeats, the Sun finally got into the win column, and Mabrey was a major player on Friday. The veteran guard recorded a complete stat line and was efficient, shooting over 50 percent from the field and only committing one turnover. While Sun head coach Rachid Meziane inserted point guard Bria Hartley into the starting lineup, that did not negatively impact Mabrey’s opportunities to facilitate for others. Mabrey is rostered in 96.3 percent of ESPN leagues, and that number should increase ahead of Connecticut’s Commissioner’s Cup matchup with the Liberty on Sunday.

Jones rejoins the Liberty’s starting lineup — which includes Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Leonie Fiebich and Natasha Cloud for Friday night’s game in Washington against the Mystic — following a one-game absence due to hamstring discomfort. With Jones back in the fold, the Liberty look to counter the size the Mystics pose with rookie Kiki Iriafen and Stefanie Dolson in their starting front court.

Absent from the Mercury’s initial injury report, Thomas will not play in Friday’s showdown with the undefeated Lynx. Her absence leaves a significant hole in the lineup due to the ability to impact games as a scorer, playmaker and defender. Kalani Brown, who played 11 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Sky, may pick up additional minutes but is not a “like-for-like” replacement for Thomas. The Mercury will rely even more on Satou Sabally, which should raise her already-high fantasy ceiling.

Sabally will miss her fourth straight game due to a right knee injury. The 25-year-old will sit out on Friday after missing last Saturday’s game in Indiana followed by two more games at home against the Golden State earlier this week. Sabally had some right knee discomfort pop up prior to Saturday’s game against the Fever and as a result she had an doctor’s appointment on Monday to check on her knee. The doctor reported no structural damage. Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello hopes that Sabally can play on Sunday when the Liberty return home to face the Sun. “She’s making progress, but we want to make sure she’s feeling 100%,"Brondello said. Expect Kennedy Burke to see at least 25 minutes against the Mystics. If the Liberty jump out to an early commanding lead, expect Isabelle Harrison to have some extended run as well.