MVP Candidates Clash

Vegas and Minnesota enter Friday's matchup both riding a 3-game win streak. A'ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier have put up incredible numbers and lead MVP talks mid-way through the season. The last time these two teams faced off, A'ja was out on concussion protocol and Vegas went on to lose by 14. Averaging 22.4 PPG, she accounts for nearly 30% of Vegas's scoring, making her one of the most impactful and important players in the league. Phee is coming off a record-breaking All-Star performance, dropping 36 points on her way to MVP honors... or should I say, MV'Phee honors. At 23.0 PPG, she has catapulted the Lynx to the top spot in the standings and currently leads league MVP talks. Grab your popcorn for this one!

Scary Hours Ahead for New York

The Liberty has a loaded schedule this week, playing four games in six days! No easy games, with Phoenix on Friday, LA on Saturday, Dallas on Monday and what could be a Finals preview on Wednesday vs Minnesota. Good thing for them Jonquel Jones is back and looking sharp! In her return from injury on Tuesday, she dropped a team-high 18 points in a big dub over Indiana. A lineup that already included Sabrina, Stewie and Natasha Cloud was already scary enough. Now they bring back JJ and add former Finals MVP Emma Meesseman to the mix! It's unclear when Emma will make her debut (visa application), but with her on the roster, NY flaunts the best starting 5 in the league.

DeWanna Bonner's Return to Gainbridge

It's been a month since DB was granted a release by the Indiana Fever and 2 weeks since she made her debut with Phoenix and reunited with fiancee Alyssa Thomas. She'll face a likely hostile crowd when the Mercury roll into Indianapolis on Wednesday to take on the Fever in a highly-anticipated showdown. In four games with her new team, DeWanna has looked sharp, even vintage, at times. Averaging 14.5 PPG, she's been a spark off the bench.

Indiana Must Manage Without Caitlin Clark

The Fever have played a majority of this season with their superstar sidelined due to injury and will have to navigate yet another week of the same. News came out Thursday that there is no timetable for her return (groin injury), so it's unlikely she'll see any action in these next two games. Kelsey Mitchell is one of the best guards in the W, and at nearly 20.0 PPG, she's playing like an All-WBA First Team candidate. She's surrounded by a strong group averaging double-digit scoring, with Aliyah Boston pouring in 15.5 PPG and Natasha Howard contributing 11.7 PPG. Aari McDonald has been a tremendous addition to the PG role, dishing and scoring at a high level. In Caitlin's absence, she has been fantastic! They'll face Chicago on Sunday followed by Phoenix on Wednesday.

Paige Bueckers, Runaway ROY?

Paige secured the first half of the season, but can she do the same the rest of the way? The second half kicks off today vs Golden State, a team she dropped 20 on last time they played and snatched the dub. Dallas then takes on Las Vegas, New York and Atlanta to round out the week. While she's yet to face Sabrina Ionescu & the Liberty, she is winless so far vs Vegas and 1-1 vs Atlanta. She currently leads the Wings in scoring, assists and steals and has solidified her position atop the ROY leaderboard. This will be a testy week but could etch her name further in the rookie history books if she plays her best basketball.

Angel Reese Must Stay On The Floor

The Chicago Sky picked up a few big wins in recent weeks over Los Angeles, Dallas and top dog Minnesota, averaging just under 20.0 PPG and shooting nearly 60% from the field! The double-double machine has looked terrific lately, but if Chicago wants to have a chance vs Indiana and Washington, they'll need her present. Reese picked up her seventh tech of the season in the first game back from All-Star Weekend vs Minnesota, putting her at risk for a one-game suspension if she picks up one more. Her competitive spirit is undeniable as she plays with a lot of passion and intensity, but with Chicago currently at 11th in the standings, she can't afford to miss a game. She's the nucleus of this team, leading them in rebounds, while ranking second in points and assists.

Cameron Brink's Long-Awaited Return

It's been 13 months since we've last seen Cameron Brink play basketball, sidelined with an ACL injury sustained just 15 games into her rookie season. This could all change this week, as Sparks' Head Coach Lynne Roberts recently stated they're hopeful for her return "before the end of July." Well, with the end of July around the corner, her status could upgrade any day now. LA has games against New York and Vegas this week, two quality opponents loaded with superstar talent. Brink's return to action could totally change LA's subpar season and possibly drive them to compete for a playoff spot. She was averaging 7.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG & 2.3 BPG before going down with the ACL tear. We have seen clips emerge of Cam participating in shootaround and practice reps, with her status last week upgraded from OUT to QUESTIONABLE.