Predicting the 2026 WNBA All-Star Reserves Before Tuesday's Reveal
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- WNBA coaches will select 12 All-Star reserves from ballots featuring 3 guards, 5 frontcourt players, and 4 position-flexible players across both conferences, with the list set to be revealed Tuesday night.
- Natasha Howard is a 'lock' as a reserve after posting career-highs of 18.9 points and 2.5 steals per game, ranking in the top-10 league-wide in both scoring and steals (a feat matched only by starter A'ja Wilson), plus 3.6 win shares — third in the league.
- Nneka Ogwumike, in her 15th season, would tie Diana Taurasi for the second-most All-Star appearances in WNBA history with 11 if selected; she's averaging 16.2 points and 8.5 rebounds on 52.5% shooting, having never shot below 50% in any season.
- Angel Reese narrowly missed a starting spot (sixth in fan, media, and player voting) but is expected as a reserve, leading the league in rebounding (11.8 RPG) and offensive rebounding (5.4) — one of two players averaging a double-double.
- Marine Mabrey is predicted to shed her 'best player to never make an All-Star team' label after tying the WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points against the Sparks and tying the single-game 3-point record nine times; she averages 21.1 PPG (fifth in the league).
- Courtney Williams is a strong wildcard pick thanks to the Lynx sitting first at 15-5 despite Napheesa Collier having not played all season following ankle surgery — coaches 'tend to reward winning.'
- Kelsey Plum is a wildcard despite averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists when healthy (second in league scoring), but is sidelined until late July with a leg injury and unlikely to be cleared in time for the mid-season showcase in Chicago.
Why it matters: Tuesday's reserve reveal will show how coaches weigh team success over individual stats (Williams on a 15-5 Lynx minus Collier), injury risk (Plum sidelined until late July), and career milestones (Ogwumike's potential tie with Taurasi for second-most All-Star appearances at 11). With starters already locked in — headlined by reigning MVP Wilson, Clark, and fan-vote leader Bueckers (1,045,051 votes) — the 12 reserve slots complete the Chicago showcase roster.
