After missing multiple games with a nose injury, Hayes returned to the Valkyries’ starting lineup for Sunday’s game against the Lynx. Unfortunately, the veteran guard reinjured her nose during the fourth quarter and did not return. If Hayes cannot play on Thursday, Stephanie Talbot is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup. No Hayes on Thursday would also result in more playing time for Cecilila Zandalasini.

After logging just over 14 minutes per game with the Sparks in 2024, Li has played even less in her first season in Seattle. The 6-foot-7 center is averaging 9.1 minutes in eight appearances, most recently playing six minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Wings. Interestingly, the draft pick sent to Seattle along with Li as part of the six-team deal headlined by Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum would be used to select Dominique Malonga in April’s draft. Unfortunately for the third-year WNBA veteran from China, there does not appear to be a clear path to additional playing time in Seattle, especially with Malonga, Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor also in the frontcourt rotation.

The Lynx began their game on Tuesday night lacking some energy. They trailed the Mercury 23-19 going into the second quarter, but then once the second quarter arrived as did Hiedeman who scored half of her total points in the second quarter. The backup guard used her quickness to drive and score at the basket, ran out in transition and attacked multiple closeouts the opposing defense tried to throw at her. Hiedeman has been the Mercury’s Achilles heel as of late, shooting 50 percent from three against Phoenix in two straight games, including the game winning shot on May 30.

Collier continued to shine as the Lynx’s centerpiece to their success. She faced little resistance getting to her kill zones on the floor Tuesday night as the Mercury defense allowed her to generate nine of her total 13 shots in the paint. While her three ball didn’t fall, her step through and fadeaway were on full display. What makes Collier so lethal is her ability to create space and separation from her defenders as a power forward. Collier notched her fourth straight double-double of the season in the Lynx’s commanding Commissioner’s Cup victory against Western conference foe the Mercury.

After shooting 4-of-14 from the field in Friday’s loss to the Liberty, Iriafen was far more efficient on Tuesday. The rookie forward only missed two shots from the field and was one rebound shy of her fourth double-double. Also, she became the first rookie since A’ja Wilson to reach double figures in points in her first eight games. Along with fellow first-round pick Sonia Citron, Iriafen has been one of the best rookies in the WNBA thus far and should continue to be a key building block for the rebuilding Mystics. While fantasy managers would like to see more production in the assist and defensive categories, Iriafen is averaging 26.5 fantasy points per game in ESPN leagues.

Losers of three straight games, the Fever needed a victory Tuesday night. They also needed Mitchell to get untracked offensively after shooting 14-of-47 from the field in those defeats. That’s precisely what happened, as the veteran guard made 50 percent of her attempts from the field and hit 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Mitchell’s 6-of-10 night from the foul line was below expectations, but that was the lone negative from this performance. With Caitlin Clark (quad) expected to miss at least one more game, the Fever will need similar production from Mitchell in Saturday’s game against the Sky.

After missing two games due to a stint in the league’s concussion protocol, Jackson returned to action but then missed another two for personal reasons. The second-year forward participated in Tuesday’s practice and said after the session that she expects to play in Friday’s Commissioner’s Cup matchup. Sarah Ashlee Barker has been Jackson’s replacement in the starting lineup, with fellow rookie Liatu King picking up additional minutes off the bench. They’re the two players most impacted by Jackson’s availability.

Off to their best start since 2014, the 5-2 Mercury will be without Thomas for a third straight game when they visit the Lynx on Tuesday. During his pregame availability, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said he’s unsure when Thomas will resume basketball activities. Kitija Laksa has started Phoenix’s last two games and will retain that role. Also, the Mercury signed Megan McConnell to a contract to help with the numbers, as the team remains without Kahleah Copper (knee).

Back in the lineup after a knee injury sidelined her for Friday’s win over the Mercury, Collier looked like her usual self in Minnesota’s Commissioner’s Cup opener. The MVP candidate recorded a double-double and a complete stat line, shooting just under 50 percent from the field. Collier has recorded complete stat lines in five straight games and double-doubles in three straight. She’ll look to continue this run of excellence on Tuesday when the 7-0 Lynx host the Mercury in another Commissioner’s Cup matchup.