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Justin Carter's top daily fantasy WNBA lineup picks for 8/12/23. Expert WNBA DFS advice for DraftKings and FanDuel.
We've got a pair of WNBA games on Saturday night, with the Dream taking on the Sparks at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed 30 minutes later by the start of the Sun and Wings, a matchup that should be a lot of fun.
If you're looking for WNBA daily fantasy picks and some betting advice this season, then you're in the right place. I'll be here providing picks for any slate with two or more games.
In this article, I'll be providing you with some daily fantasy WNBA lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel. These lineup picks will range from elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. The slates lock on 8/12/2023 at 7:30 PM ET. Want to talk more about the WNBA? I'm always available on Twitter and always down to discuss women's basketball: @juscarts.
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WNBA DFS Picks: Forward
Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun) - @ DAL - DK: $11,900, FD: 9,200
Thomas played all 40 minutes in Connecticut's close loss to Phoenix on Thursday and she did what she does best—filled up the stat sheet.
The MVP candidate scored 20 points on 8-for-19 shooting while also adding 11 rebounds and eight assists. This marks the seventh time in the last eight games that Thomas has double-digit rebounds, and the fifth game in a row that she's had eight or more assists. She also blocked a shot for the fourth consecutive game.
If you want to play a high-floor, high-ceiling star to help anchor your DFS lineup, Alyssa Thomas is the first place you should turn.
Cheyenne Parker (Atlanta Dream) - @ LA - DK: $9,400, FD: $6,900
Parker had just six points last time out against the Storm, ending a streak of five games in a row that she's finished with 10 or more points. But even with the low scoring total, she managed 28.5 DraftKings points, thanks to eight rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and two steals.
That's a big part of why I want Parker in my lineup on Saturday. Even if she doesn't have a big night in terms of points, her ability to add value in other stat categories boosts her value.
She had 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals when she faced the Sparks back in July.
Rebecca Allen (Connecticut Sun) - @ DAL - DK: $7,500, FD: $5,600
Allen's seen an increase in her scoring volume over the last two games, capped off by Thursday night's 24-point effort against the Mercury. That marked her best scoring effort of the season, and just her second game with 20 or more points.
It was also the second game in a row that Allen's scored in double figures, just the second time that's happened all year. Her increased role as of late makes her an intriguing value. It's also worth noting that she's shot 50% or better from the floor in four of the last five contests.
WNBA DFS Picks: Guard
Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream) - @ LA - DK: $10,200, FD: $7,500
Last year's Rookie of the Year has scored 20-plus points in back-to-back games. Last time out, she scored 20 on 6-for-20 shooting in a loss to Seattle while also adding six rebounds, one assist, and three steals.
Howard's struggled with efficiency at times this season, especially lately, as she's shot 33.3% or worse in three of the past four games. But volume has helped make up for that, as Howard's taken at least 10 field goal attempts in six straight contests.
The last time she faced the Sparks, Howard had 43 points, delivering a monster game. I don't expect those kind of numbers on Saturday night, but I do expect a strong showing.
Layshia Clarendon (Los Angeles Sparks) - vs. ATL - DK: $5,900, FD: $5,400
Clarendon is coming off one of their best games of the year, as the veteran guard scored 17 points against the Fever, going 6-for-8 from the floor and 3-for-3 from three. They also added three rebounds and five assists in the victory.
On a two-game slate like this, I'm more willing to take a chance on a player for value's sake, and that's what makes Clarendon appealing. They've had seven or more points in three of the last four games, and since returning from injury they've consistently seen 20-plus minutes of action.
Aari McDonald (Atlanta Dream) - @ LA - DK: $5,100, FD: $4,700
It's fair to say that this hasn't been the breakout campaign that many expected from McDonald. After averaging 11.1 points per game last year, she's down to 7.4 this season, as the shot attempts just aren't there after the team added Allisha Gray.
Still, McDonald's a good basketball player, something she reminded us of in her 19 minutes against the Storm. She was 4-for-5 for 10 points while also adding three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
I think the argument here is a lot like the argument for Clarendon—on a slate like this where you have to take some risks, why not take a risk on a player who's coming off a strong game? It might not work out, but I think McDonald's talent makes her worth being sprinkled into some lineups.
