Ariel Atkins - WNBA News, Rumors, & Updates

Sparks spoil Caitlin Clark's return, beating the Fever 106-92

Nneka Ogwumike had 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists and the Los Angeles Sparks spoiled Caitlin Clark’s return, beating the Indiana Fever 106-92 on Wednesday night to snap...

23 HOURS AGO • Associated Press

Quiet scoring campaign continues Atkins finished Monday's 82-64 loss to the Storm with five points (2-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and five rebounds in 22 minutes.

Impact Atkins has been mostly reliable on defense this season but continues to struggle in the scoring department. The veteran guard has averaged 11.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals in 25.2 minutes per tilt over 19 games this season, shooting a poor 34.5 percent from the field.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Limited impact in defeat Atkins ended with zero points (0-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one assist and one steal across 14 minutes during Thursday's 125-97 loss to Toronto.

Impact Although the Sparks were playing without Kelsey Plum (lower leg) during Thursday's matchup, Atkins played a season-low 14 minutes as Los Angeles fell behind early against the Tempo. Despite Thursday's lackluster performance, Atkins could be in line for an increased backcourt role in the near future since Plum is expected to miss several weeks.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Fares well in win Atkins ended Sunday's 98-97 win over the Liberty with 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt), two rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 26 minutes.

Impact Atkins reached double figures for the first time since June 5 during Sunday's win. She remains an average fantasy asset with averages of 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals in 26.4 minutes per contest.

JUNE 22 • ROTOWIRE

Shooting woes continue Atkins finished with six points (3-11 FG, 0-7 3Pt), two assists and one steal over 21 minutes during Monday's 78-58 loss to Golden State.

Impact Atkins continues to struggle to acclimate to her new surroundings with Los Angeles, and she's seeing less usage than she did a year ago with Chicago. Over 12 appearances in 2026, the 29-year-old guard has averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals in 26.3 minutes per game while shooting a career-low 33.6 percent from the field.

JUNE 16 • ROTOWIRE

Ties season high in swipes Atkins finished with seven points (2-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, three assists and four steals in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 88-83 victory over the Storm.

Impact The four steals matched a season high for Atkins on Wednesday. Atkins has averaged 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals in 26.3 minutes per contest across 10 games this season, shooting 34.8 percent from the field.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Struggling for efficiency Atkins racked up six points (3-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and one steal across 18 minutes during Sunday's 89-72 victory over the Fire.

Impact Atkins continues to pitch in across the board, though her efficiency has left a bit to be desired. The 29-year-old guard has averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals in 26.4 minutes per game over nine outings this season, but she's shooting just 35.7 percent from the floor.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Plays better Friday night Atkins finished with 16 points (6-12 FG, 4-7 3Pt), five rebounds, three assists and one steal across 28 minutes in Friday's 104-96 loss to Dallas.

Impact Atkins went 1-for-6 from deep in Tuesday's 79-69 loss to the Aces, though she responded Friday by draining a season-high four shots from downtown. The 29-year-old has had some rough games throughout the 2026 campaign. Despite Atkins' quality showing in the loss to Dallas, she is still averaging a career-low 10.1 points in eight regular-season appearances thus far.

JUNE 6 • ROTOWIRE

Arike Ogunbowale's 30 points, Paige Bueckers' career-high 14 assists lead Wings past Sparks 104-96

Arike Ogunbowale scored 30 points and made six 3-pointers, Paige Bueckers had 18 points and a career-high 14 assists and the Dallas Wings beat the Los Angeles Sparks 104-96 for the...

JUNE 6 • Associated Press

Season-high seven rebounds Atkins finished Tuesday's 79-69 loss to the Aces with nine points (2-13 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 29 minutes.

Impact Although Atkins struggled to score Tuesday, she did collect a season-high seven rebounds. The guard has averaged 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.0 steals in 27.4 minutes per game over seven outings this season.

JUNE 3 • ROTOWIRE

Excellent defense Saturday Atkins logged 16 points (3-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 8-8 FT), four rebounds, one assist, four steals and three blocks over 32 minutes during the Sparks' 84-81 loss to the Sun on Saturday.

Impact Atkins co-led the Sparks in scoring Saturday, but her biggest contributions came on the defensive end of the floor. She set season highs in both blocks and steals, and her seven stocks were her most in a game since the 2019 season as a member of the Sparks (eight). Over her last four games, Atkins has averaged 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks over 28.8 minutes per game.

MAY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Morrow has 17 points and 14 rebounds, Sun beats Sparks 84-81 to snap a 3-game skid

Aneesah Morrow had 17 points and 14 rebounds, her fourth consecutive game with a double-double, and the Connecticut Sun beat the Los Angeles Sparks 84-81

MAY 31 • Associated Press

Kelsey Plum scores 38, Erica Wheeler hits clutch 3-pointer and Sparks defeat Aces 101-95

Kelsey Plum scored a season-high 38 points, Erica Wheeler hit the go-ahead 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Las Vegas Aces 101-95

MAY 24 • Associated Press

Records 11 points in return Atkins finished Thursday's 97-88 victory over Phoenix with 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 0-1 FT), one rebound, two assists, one block and three steals across 24 minutes.

Impact Atkins missed the past two games due to a concussion, but she made it through the entire game without any ill effects of her injury. She was also one of four Los Angeles starters to notch at least two successful three-pointers, and she totaled a team-best three steals. The latter might be her best category, accounting for 2.4 steals per game in three outings this season.

MAY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Hamby has 27 points, 15 boards to lead Sparks to 97-88 win over Mercury

Dearica Hamby scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and the Los Angeles Sparks rode a big second quarter to a 97-88 win over the Phoenix Mercury

MAY 22 • Associated Press

Sparks vs. Mercury Prediction, Odds, Best WNBA Prop Bet for Thursday, May 21 Injuries have contributed to a slow start to the 2026 season for the Los Angeles Sparks, but they have Ariel Atkins (concussion protocol) ex...

MAY 21 • SI.COM

Good to go for Thursday Head coach Lynne Roberts said Tuesday that Atkins (concussion) will be "good to go" for Thursday's game against the Mercury, independent WNBA writer Justin Russo reports.

Impact Although Atkins didn't do any live work during Tuesday's practice, Roberts said there was "no need" to risk her being hit. The 29-year-old guard is set to return from a two-game absence Thursday, which will leave fewer minutes available for Erica Wheeler, Kate Martin and Chance Gray.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Practices Tuesday Atkins (concussion) was a practice participant Tuesday, per independent writer Justin Russo.

Impact Atkins has missed back-to-back games due to a concussion, but she appears to be making progress in her recovery. The Sparks are set to release an official injury report at some point ahead of Thursday's game against the Mercury, which will help clear up if Atkins has passed the league's protocol.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Sunday Atkins (concussion protocol) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Toronto.

Impact Atkins will miss a second consecutive contest while in the league's concussion protocol. Her next opportunity to play will come Thursday in Phoenix. Erica Wheeler will likely get the starting nod again, while Chance Gray and Ta'Niya Latson are also candidates to see increased playing time.

MAY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out against Tempo Atkins (concussion protocol) is listed as out for Friday's game against Toronto.

Impact Atkins suffered a head injury in Wednesday's 87-78 loss to Indiana, ending her night after 16 minutes of action. Without Atkins on the floor versus Toronto, Erica Wheeler is considered the favorite to take her spot in the rotation. Her next opportunity to suit up will be when these clubs meet again Sunday.

MAY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell lead the Fever past the Sparks, 87-78

Caitlin Clark had 24 points and nine assists, Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points, and the Indiana Fever beat the Los Angeles Sparks 87-78

MAY 14 • Associated Press

Won't return Wednesday Atkins won't return to Wednesday's game against the Fever due to a head injury.

Impact The severity of Atkins head injury isn't currently clear, but for now, she can be considered questionable for Friday's game against the Tempo. Atkins' absence would open up minutes for Erica Wheeler and Chance Gray.

MAY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Matches team high in steals Atkins amassed eight points (3-12 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, three assists and three steals over 32 minutes during Sunday's 105-78 loss to Las Vegas.

Impact Following a one-year stay with Chicago, Atkins tied a team high in steals in her Sparks debut. She looks initially to be in line for a similar role that she played with the Sky -- Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 28.5 minutes per contest across 34 regular-season games in 2025.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

After the CBA opened the floodgates, some notable WNBA All-Stars decided to play closer to home

All-Stars Brittney Griner, Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins and Satou Sabally all found new places to play this season, taking advantage of free agency

MAY 5 • Associated Press

Productive in preseason opener Atkins logged eight points (3-5 FG, 2-3 3Pt), six rebounds, four assists and three steals in 23 minutes during Saturday's 89-63 preseason win over the Nigeria National Team.

Impact Atkins donned her new uniform for the first time in Saturday's preseason matchup after being traded to the Sparks from the Sky earlier this month, and she had solid production in multiple areas, leading the team in rebounds, steals and playing time during the comfortable victory. Atkins should maintain a high level of fantasy production in 2026 while playing alongside Kelsey Plum in the Sparks' backcourt.

APRIL 26 • ROTOWIRE

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