WNBA DFS Picks for Saturday, May 9: Best Lineup Strategy, Sleepers & Values
The WNBA season continues with a full slate of games on Saturday, May 9, offering DFS players a wealth of opportunities. With the Dallas Wings facing the Indiana Fever, the Phoenix Mercury taking on the Las Vegas Aces, the Atlanta Dream squaring off against the Minnesota Lynx, and the Chicago Sky battling the Portland Fire, there's plenty of action to analyze and exploit.
Injury updates and team previews are crucial for DFS strategy, as they can significantly impact player availability and performance. Here's a breakdown of the key players and strategies for each game, along with some top picks and sleepers to consider.
Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever
The Wings, led by the newly acquired Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers, are looking to build on their strong start. However, they'll be without Alanna Smith and Aziaha James, who are both listed as probable with return dates of May 9, 2026. The Fever, on the other hand, are missing Monique Billings and Justine Pissott, who are questionable and out, respectively.
Key Players to Watch:
- Alanna Smith (Wings): Probable to return, Smith is a valuable asset with her defensive prowess and scoring ability. She's a strong contender for DFS lineups.
- Caitlin Clark (Fever): Back from an injury-plagued 2025 season, Clark is a top-tier point guard who can dominate the court. Her availability and productivity make her a must-have in DFS lineups.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces
The Mercury and Aces are both looking to build on their success from the previous season. The Mercury have a few key absences, including Valeriane Ayayi and Monique Akoa Makani, who are out due to rest and injury, respectively. The Aces, meanwhile, are missing Dana Evans and Janiah Barker, who are out due to leg and head injuries.
Key Players to Watch:
- Alyssa Thomas (Mercury): A consistent performer, Thomas is a safe bet for DFS lineups with her ability to contribute across the board.
- A'ja Wilson (Aces): A key player for the Aces, Wilson is a force to be reckoned with and can provide significant value in DFS lineups.
Atlanta Dream vs. Minnesota Lynx
The Dream, led by Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard, are looking to build on their success from the previous season. However, they'll be without Brionna Jones, who is out due to a knee injury. The Lynx, on the other hand, are missing Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhasz, who are out due to ankle and foot injuries.
Key Players to Watch:
- Rhyne Howard (Dream): A talented scorer, Howard can provide significant value in DFS lineups with her ability to score from anywhere on the court.
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx): Once Collier returns from her ankle injury, she'll be a key contributor for the Lynx and a strong contender for DFS lineups.
Chicago Sky vs. Portland Fire
The Sky, led by Kamilla Cardoso and Skylar Diggins, are looking to build on their success from the previous season. However, they'll be without several key players, including Maddy Westbeld, Courtney Vandersloot, and Natasha Cloud, who are all out due to various injuries. The Fire, on the other hand, are missing Sug Sutton, Kamiah Smalls, Karlie Samuelson, Teja Oblak, and Nika Muhl, who are all out due to knee and foot injuries.
Key Players to Watch:
- Kamilla Cardoso (Sky): A key player for the Sky, Cardoso is a strong contender for DFS lineups with her ability to contribute across the board.
- Bridget Carleton (Fire): A newly acquired player, Carleton has the potential to make a strong impression with her new team and provide significant value in DFS lineups.
Top WNBA DFS Picks
- Alanna Smith (Wings): $5,300
- Rickea Jackson (Sky): $4,400
- Carla Leite (Fire): $4,300
- NaLyssa Smith (Aces): $4,100
- Jacy Sheldon (Sky): $3,500
- Kamilla Cardoso (Sky): $7,300
- Luisa Geiselsoder (Fire): $5,000
- Natasha Mack (Mercury): $3,600
- Nia Coffey (Dream): $3,500
- Kierstan Bell (Aces): $3,000
Remember to monitor injury updates and team trends closely, as they can significantly impact player availability and performance. Happy DFS!
