The WNBA injuries report is already starting to pile up, as new knocks and lengthy recoveries impact teams before they even step foot on a regular-season court.
New York star Sabrina Ionescu will miss at least two weeks of action. The star guard rolled her ankle during the Liberty’s preseason win over Connecticut.
"Obviously wasn't good to see," Liberty forward Jonquel Jones of Ionescu's fall. "I was able to check in with our [trainer] and stuff during the game to make sure she's OK."
The injury involves the same left foot that sidelined her for much of her 2020 WNBA rookie season. However, an MRI indicated Ionescu avoided major injury.
As teams continue trimming rosters, short-term WNBA injuries will likely spur leaner squads as key players make their way back to the court.
Chicago’s Azurá Stevens is expected to sit out the Sky’s opener. And Golden State could enter the regular season without Kate Martin due to a Grade 2 quad strain.
"Kate Martin has been diagnose with a grade two quad strain, per Valkyries. She will be diagnosed in one week (May 5)," tweeted ESPN's Kendra Andrews.
"Golden State doesn't have any more preseason games, but the Valks' season opens May 8, so depending on her what her evaluation says, Martin could be at risk at missing game play."
Indiana might also be short-staffed, as guard Lexie Hull continues to navigate a hamstring injury. And later, center Monique Billings exited the Fever’s final preseason game with an ankle knock.
"They're going to keep evaluating day-by-day and give her an opportunity to make sure she's as close to 100% as possible," Fever coach Stephanie White said, updating reporters on Billings's injury status.
