Bueckers looked more like the player fans have grown to love in her 37 minutes of play for the Wings on Monday night. Although at first she began the game hesitant trying to read and make decisions quickly out of the Storm’s traps on ball screens. But once Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes subbed Bueckers back in with 4:54 remaining in the first after a couple of minutes to take a breather, the No. 1 overall draft pick found her rhythm and flow within the Wings’ offense. Her efficient scoring and playmaking allowed the Wings to get within three points of the Storm with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter after being down by as many as 17. Bueckers’ defensive effort was evident as well as she was either a roamer or was placed on Skylar Diggins. With 1:23 left in the fourth Bueckers picked Gabby Williams’ pocket and scored on the other end shaving the Storm’s lead down to five points.

Sykes was super efficient offensively in the Mystics’ come-from-behind win against the Sun on the road. Her best looks came when she was slashing to the basket and putting pressure on the rim. Sykes got to the foul line eight separate times on Sunday afternoon. While Sykes facilitated well and led her team in assists, her aggressive style of defense cost her. She fouled out of the game with 46.3 seconds remaining in regulation. Nine of her 27 points came in the final frame which helped the Mystics gain their first lead and eventually get the win.

Diggins was the main offensive engine for Seattle in its season-opening loss, leading the team in scoring and finishing as one of two Storm players to reach double figures. The veteran guard shot the ball efficiently and found a way to leave her mark as a facilitator despite the team struggling mightily to score. However, her impact on the defensive end is what turns this performance from good to great in terms of fantasy production. Diggins should continue being the hub of this Seattle offense, which could lead to a strong year for her in fantasy leagues.

Sabally made an outstanding first impression in her debut with the Mercury, dominating the game on offense to finish with a game-high point total on efficient shooting. The former Dallas Wing had her foot on the gas from the opening quarter with an aggressive approach. She led Phoenix in scoring in each of the first three quarters before resting for most of the final frame. Furthermore, Sabally contributed as a three-point shooter and rebounder, with activity on the defensive end leading to a stellar night overall. The nightly production should be here to stay, which is good news for fantasy managers.

Clark was sensational in Indiana’s season-opener, recording her third career triple-double. The rebounds were the most difficult for the Fever phenom to corral, as she remained in the game a bit longer than many would have expected in a blowout. However, more impressive may have been the defensive stats. In 2024, Clark had three games in which she recorded six “stocks” or more. Expected to be one of the most valuable players in fantasy basketball before the season began, Clark backed that up with her performance against the Sky.

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.