Fudd Out for Season; Smith Injury and Frontcourt Development Shape Playoff Depth

Alanna Smith remains out with a lower-left-leg injury and has no established return date, while Azzi Fudd is out for the season after arthroscopic knee surgery. James was unavailable against Los Angeles, Laksa remained day-to-day, and Verona was out for personal reasons. Awak Kuier's emergence and record-setting shot-blocking provide a potential frontcourt lift, while Jessica Shepard's fifth triple-double against the Sparks strengthened the rotation.