Rising Stars in the WNBA: Maya Caldwell and Emerging Talents Shine in the Second Half

Discover how Maya Caldwell and other emerging talents are making waves in the WNBA's second half, with insights on fantasy basketball strategies.

The second half of the WNBA season is a pivotal time for teams to adjust their strategies and rotations. With injuries and performance fluctuations, new stars often emerge, providing fresh opportunities for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at some key players making an impact:

Backcourt

Saniya Rivers, G, Connecticut Sun (29.8%) After a slow start, Rivers has stepped up as a lead creator for the Sun. Despite Connecticut's defensive struggles, Rivers' increased usage makes her a valuable fantasy pickup. With games on Thursday and Sunday, consider adding her later in the week to maximize her potential.

Maya Caldwell, G, Atlanta Dream (1.0%) With Rhyne Howard sidelined, Caldwell has seized the opportunity to shine. Her strong rebounding and back-to-back games this week make her a prime candidate for deeper leagues.

Frontcourt

Li Yueru, C, Dallas Wings (19.6%) Yueru continues to impress as Dallas' new pivot. Her recent performances suggest she could be a major story in the coming weeks, making her a top addition for fantasy teams.

Naz Hillmon, F, Atlanta Dream (15.3%) Howard's absence has opened up opportunities for Hillmon, who is taking on more responsibilities in the paint. Her increased touches and rim protection make her a strong start to the week.

Fantasy Women's Basketball

Play Fantasy Women's Basketball Fantasy Women's Basketball is now open! Create or join a league today to get started.

Sign up for free!

What to Read Next

Emma Meesseman's Return: A Game-Changer for the 2025 WNBA Championship Race?
WNBA

Emma Meesseman's Return: A Game-Changer for the 2025 WNBA Championship Race?

Emma Meesseman's signing with the New York Liberty could shift the balance in the 2025 WNBA title race, making them the new favorites.

Catch the Hottest WNBA Matchups in July: Fever vs. Liberty and More on ESPN
WNBA

Catch the Hottest WNBA Matchups in July: Fever vs. Liberty and More on ESPN

Don't miss the thrilling WNBA games this July, including Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty, all streaming on ESPN and its platforms.

Caitlin Clark's Injury-Plagued WNBA Season: A Timeline of Setbacks and Comebacks
WNBA

Caitlin Clark's Injury-Plagued WNBA Season: A Timeline of Setbacks and Comebacks

A detailed look at Caitlin Clark's injury-riddled first half of the WNBA season, including her impact on the Indiana Fever and her missed All-Star Game.

WNBA All-Star 2025: Ionescu and Cloud Dominate 3-Point and Skills Challenges
WNBA

WNBA All-Star 2025: Ionescu and Cloud Dominate 3-Point and Skills Challenges

Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud led the New York Liberty to a historic sweep at the 2025 WNBA All-Star skills and 3-point challenges.

2025 WNBA All-Star Game: Team Collier vs. Team Clark - Predictions, Key Matchups, and Live Analysis
WNBA

2025 WNBA All-Star Game: Team Collier vs. Team Clark - Predictions, Key Matchups, and Live Analysis

Get the latest predictions, key matchups, and live analysis for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game featuring Team Collier and Team Clark. Discover who will shine in this star-studded event.

WNBA All-Stars Voice Frustration Over Stalled CBA Negotiations
WNBA

WNBA All-Stars Voice Frustration Over Stalled CBA Negotiations

WNBA players express disappointment over stalled CBA talks during All-Star weekend, emphasizing the need for progress on key issues like revenue sharing and salary structure.

2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend: Thrills, Skills, and Stars in Indianapolis
WNBA

2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend: Thrills, Skills, and Stars in Indianapolis

Get the latest updates and analysis from the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, featuring the 3-point contest and skills challenge despite Caitlin Clark's absence.

Sandy Brondello's Triple Threat: Leading Liberty, Opals, and Team Clark in WNBA All-Star Game
WNBA

Sandy Brondello's Triple Threat: Leading Liberty, Opals, and Team Clark in WNBA All-Star Game

Sandy Brondello excels as head coach for New York Liberty, Australian Opals, and Team Clark in the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing her leadership across multiple platforms.

Diana Taurasi's Legacy: New Docuseries Premieres August 7 on Prime Video
WNBA

Diana Taurasi's Legacy: New Docuseries Premieres August 7 on Prime Video

Explore Diana Taurasi's legendary career in a new three-part docuseries premiering August 7 on Prime Video, featuring exclusive interviews and rare insights.

The Evolution of WNBA All-Star Game Uniforms: A 26-Year Journey
WNBA

The Evolution of WNBA All-Star Game Uniforms: A 26-Year Journey

Explore the evolution of WNBA All-Star Game uniforms over 26 years, highlighting key design changes and memorable moments.

WNBA Officiating Under Fire: Calls for Consistency and Fairness in Game Calls
WNBA

WNBA Officiating Under Fire: Calls for Consistency and Fairness in Game Calls

As the WNBA grows in popularity, players, coaches, and fans are demanding greater consistency and fairness in officiating to maintain the integrity of the game.

Midseason WNBA Report: Grades, MVPs, and Playoff Predictions for 2025
WNBA

Midseason WNBA Report: Grades, MVPs, and Playoff Predictions for 2025

A comprehensive midseason analysis of the 2025 WNBA season, including team grades, MVP candidates, and playoff predictions.

WNBA Power Rankings: Fever and Mystics Surge as All-Star Break Approaches
WNBA

WNBA Power Rankings: Fever and Mystics Surge as All-Star Break Approaches

As the WNBA heads into the All-Star break, the Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics are making significant strides in the Power Rankings. Discover the latest team performances and key player highlights.

WNBA Midseason Power Rankings 2025: Top 25 Players Dominating the Court
WNBA

WNBA Midseason Power Rankings 2025: Top 25 Players Dominating the Court

Explore the 2025 WNBA midseason rankings featuring top players like Napheesa Collier, A'ja Wilson, and Caitlin Clark, with insights on their performances and impact.

WNBA All-Star Game: A Comprehensive Look at Stats, History, MVPs, and Winners
WNBA

WNBA All-Star Game: A Comprehensive Look at Stats, History, MVPs, and Winners

Explore the rich history of the WNBA All-Star Game, including key stats, MVPs, and winners over the past two decades.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.