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In what is set to be a mouth-watering affair at Barclays Center on Tuesday evening, the first and second teams in the WNBA meet as the New York Liberty host the Connecticut Sun. Both franchises are hoping to strengthen their grip on the WNBA regular-season crown. Looking at the Sun’s road record to the Liberty, it doesn't look like good reading, with their last four visits ending in defeats.
Sandy Brondello’s team has been in imperious form this season, sitting atop the WNBA standings with 20 wins and just four losses in 24 games. A victory over Connecticut will put the hosts in an even more advantageous position to contest for the regular-season title this season. The home team also boasts an impressive record at its stomping ground, with only one loss in 12 meetings this season.
However, a win over the Sun will not come easy, especially considering their huge victory last week over the Phoenix Mercury. It must be said, though, that Connecticut has probably been one of the best road teams in the WNBA, winning eight out of 10 and displaying some impressive basketball at times.
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This will be the third meeting between these two teams this season, with the Liberty winning both games on the road by no more than seven points.
Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty: Injury reports
Connecticut Sun injury report for July 16
For Tuesday, Sun coach Stephanie White has a pretty full complement of players to choose from. Besides missing Moriah Jefferson, who recently underwent arthroscopic surgery, the Sun can boast a clean bill of health, so the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year has plenty of choice for her team selection.
New York Liberty injury report for July 16
The Liberty will be missing a few of their heroic performers. Breanna Stewart and Nyara Sabally are the latest reported injury problems for the New York team. The two-time MVP has been monitored throughout the week, and a final decision on whether she is fit to play will be made before tip-off.
Guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton may not be ready for a return to the matchday lineup yet, as she continues to work back to full fitness following a knee injury. No. 5 Kayla Thornton may also sit out the matchup. However, with a 16-point outing in her last game, Thornton is more than capable of leading the line on Tuesday.
Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty: Starting lineups and depth charts
Connecticut Sun starting lineups and depth charts
Sun coach Stephanie White is expected to stick with her successful lineup, likely featuring Alyssa Thomas, Tyasha Harris, DiJonai Carrington, DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones as the starting five.
New York Liberty starting lineups and depth charts
If Breanna Stewart sits out, the Liberty are still expected to field the lineup featuring Sabrina Ionescu, Courtney Vandersloot, Kayla Thornton, Leonie Fiebich and Jonquel Jones, all of whom have proven to be formidable on the court.
Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty: Players to watch out for
Rachel Banham vs. Kayla Thornton
With the potential absence of Stewart, it will be down to Kayla Thornton & Co. to fire New York to victory. Thornton has been a steady contributor this season, averaging 6.1 points per game and 2.3 rebounds this season.
After breaking the WNBA record for the most 3-pointers made off the bench, there has been evidence in recent weeks that opposing teams are growing wise to Rachel Banham’s abilities. Making 20 appearances to date for the Sun off the bench, Banham likes to chip in with a few assists, plus she will also be looking to add to her 3-pointer run against the Sun.
