Iliana Rupert

Rupert moved into the starting lineup for Game 2, and she did a decent job shooting, especially from distance. Rupert was very good seeing the floor, and dishing out assists. She was in and out of the starting five for the Valkyries. At just 24 years old, Rupert could be a valuable part of the rotation heading into the 2026 campaign.

Rupert came off the bench in Game 1, snapping a streak of nine consecutive starts to finish the regular season. She'll return to the first unit for Game 2, replacing Temi Fagbenle. Rupert was held scoreless across 17 minutes in the series opener.

With Cecilia Zandalasini returning to the starting five in the team's postseason opener, Rupert will slide to the bench. The 24-year-old center started her last nine regular-season appearances, averaging 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 44.2 percent from beyond the arc in 27.9 minutes per game during that span.

Rupert limped to the locker room in the fourth quarter of Thursday's loss to the Lynx in the club's regular-season finale and didn't return. However, she'll return for the opening game of the postseason. Rupert started her final nine regular-season appearances, averaging 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 44.2 percent from three-point range across 27.9 minutes per game during that span.

Rupert exited with 7:22 remaining in the fourth quarter after hitting the floor hard, and it wasn't a shock to see that she was held out the rest of the way. She turned in a solid effort prior to going down, collecting at least one steal and one block for a second straight appearance. Rupert's status will be worth keeping an eye on leading up to Sunday's Game 1, also against Minnesota.