All season long, Tuesdays mean WNBA action on ESPN2. This Tuesday, July 24, a power-packed doubleheader starts off with the East-leading Detroit Shock battling the Connecticut Sun before the Sacramento Monarchs play host to the Los Angeles Sparks in an intrastate clash.

The Monarchs have been near the top of the West standings since the start of the season thanks in large part to the play of Nicole Powell. Now in her third season with the team, the versatile forward has been a steady force for a squad that has been beset by injuries all year. She currently leads Sacramento in scoring (12.4 ppg) and is second on the team in rebounding at 6.3 rpg.

Can Powell help the Monarchs head into the Western Conference playoffs as the No. 1 seed? Powell answered your questions Tuesday when she stopped by to chat with fans on WNBA.com. Read what she had to say.

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Devin Sacramento,CA : How do you feel about the losses the team has experienced as of late, and what are you going to do to change that tonight in particular?

 Nicole Powell: (2:27 PM ET ) We're not happy with the losses, but we still feel like we're in a good position and we're learning from it. Tonight, we're just trying to get our defense sharp because our defense jump starts us and helps our offense.

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Katie, WA: Hi Nicole. I absolutely looooove watching you play. :) You're such an amazing player. Do you think your team has what it takes to make it to the finals again this year being under a new coaching staff? Best wishes for the rest of the season!!! ;)

 Nicole Powell: (2:29 PM ET ) First, thank you very much. I do think we have what it takes. Our new head coach has done a great job. We're a little beat up right now. Getting to the Finals takes being healthy, being a little bit lucky, and playing at the top of our game. I do feel like we're capable of getting back to the Finals, but we have to put it all together.

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Joel Horn (Phoenix, Arizona): Were you surprised -- and perhaps disappointed -- that you didn't make the All-Star team this season? We're obviously biased, but we think it was an injustice that you didn't make it given the season you're having!

 Nicole Powell: (2:31 PM ET ) No, I wasn't surprised that I didn't make the team. I'm not disappointed at all. I think it's a great event and a goal of mine to get there, but I'm just focused on the season and helping my team make a good strong run at the playoffs.

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Clevelynn of Sacramento CA: I really enjoy watching you play. Are you concentrating more on your low post game than your perimeter shooting?

 Nicole Powell: (2:32 PM ET ) Yes I am, just because of the injuries that have plagued our team. With DeMya going down and Rebekkah and Yolanda being beat up right now, I've had to play the four more this year. Before I was just a guard and shoot from the outside. Playing in the post is a role that I've had to step into this year.

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Clive Oakland CA: Nicole, firstly you are amazing. secondly, how much will the absence of DeMya impact the team as you head toward the playoffs?

 Nicole Powell: (2:33 PM ET ) DeMya brings so much to our team, energy, enthusiasm and her physical skills. It's been something that we've had to deal with all season long. Since she's been gone we've all tried to step up to make up for her presence. You can't expect one person to handle DeMya's load as well as her load so we're all stepping up to fill in as a team. I don't think the playoffs will be that much different. We just have to work hard and keep doing what we've done all year.

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Anna ( Sacramento, CA): Why do you wear the number 14?

 Nicole Powell: (2:34 PM ET ) It's the first number I've ever had. I got it when I was eight years old playing in Phoenix. I liked it and have kept it ever since.

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Derek Franks: Fresno, CA: You are one of the best three-point shooters I have ever seen. Do you have any specific drills that you do to get that nice smooth shot?

 Nicole Powell: (2:36 PM ET ) Really it's just a lot of repetition. There are different shooting drills that I've done in high school, college and the pros, but really it's shooting a lot and training your muscles. I did a lot of shooting in high school and college. it's something that I've always concentrated on. You always want to shoot the same way and be consistent, even if you're just shooting around.

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Monty (New York ): If you could choose 4 players to play with you, who would they be?

 Nicole Powell: (2:37 PM ET ) That is a good question. Number one is Michael Jordan for sure. I would just pick the whole Dream Team if I could. MJ, Magic, it would be fun to be out there with Charles. Shaq would be good, so I wouldn't have to play in the post so much. So my four would be Mike, Magic, Shaq and Charles.

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Carlos (Spain) : What is your favorite memory from Spain?

 Nicole Powell: (2:38 PM ET ) First of all Spain is a beautiful country and I had a great experience in Salamanca, where I played. I really enjoyed my teammates and our run to the championship game. In the championship we went against the top team. They had Margo, DeLisha Milton and a lot of good players. We were the underdog and everyone thought we would get swept, but we took it to five games. So my favorite memory was taking to the top team to the last game in the finals.

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Powell_Is_The_Best (ashland oregon): Hi, Nicole Powell. I think you are one of the best players on the Monarch roster and I am glad that you were traded to Sac from Charlotte. My question is do you have any rituals or game day things you have to do in order to get ready for the game?

 Nicole Powell: (2:39 PM ET ) I'm not really superstitious, but keeping the same routine is important. We have shootaround, then I try to eat at the same time and get a nap. Keeping a routine is important for me in getting mentally ready to play.

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Maryland: Nicole, what is the most difficult part of being a pro athlete?

 Nicole Powell: (2:41 PM ET ) First of all I'm very thankful for what I do. It's a great "job." I couldn't' ask for anything better. I love what I do. For me, the hardest thing is being away from home. I was in Spain, then in Sacramento and I played in Turkey the year before. It's tough being a way from home, but I wouldn't trade what I do for anything. I love it.

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Vince : Chicago, Illinois: Who do you see as the most challenging team in the West and who would you want to face in a possible finals?

 Nicole Powell: (2:41 PM ET ) I honestly believe that the league is getting more and more competitive and the West is the most competitive conference. Every team is good; I can't pick one from the other. Every night it's a tough game, no matter who you are playing. In the east, I don't care who we play. I just want to get to the finals in the first place.

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Kristen(CT): What is the most memorable thing that has happened to you throughout your basketball career?

 Nicole Powell: (2:43 PM ET ) Basketball gives me so many opportunities and experiences and I'm really thankful for what I do and for my family for helping me get here. It's hard to pick one. My best on the floor achievement is winning the championship in 2005. But off the floor, basketball has given me so much, it gave me my education.


 Nicole Powell: (2:43 PM ET ) Thanks so much to everyone that wrote in. I enjoyed answering your questions. Thanks for the support and Go Monarchs!