Why is Sabrina Ionescu not playing against Mist BC? Phantom BC star's absence in Unrivaled explored (Jan. 24)

Phantom BC will face Mist BC on Friday at Mediapro in Miami, Florida, without one of their best players, Sabrina Ionescu. According to the team's injury report, the star guard will miss the action against her New York Liberty teammate, Breanna Stewart. Ionescu isn't injured, though, as the star will miss the game due to personal reasons.

Phantom will also miss Marina Mabrey against Mist due to a right calf injury.

For her Unrivaled basketball club, Ionescu has played two games, averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. However, in the two games they've played, Ionescu and her team have not secured a win in the league's inaugural season.

The next game for Phantom will be on Saturday. They will take on Napheesa Collier and the Lunar Owls BC.

Sabrina Ionescu spotted in Paris for the NBA's global games

The NBA traveled to Paris, France earlier this week for a two-game showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and the Indiana Pacers. The first game was played on Thursday, and the Spurs won 140-110 over the Pacers.

During the game, a few basketball icons were present. Sabrina Ionescu was spotted talking to Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and veteran Spurs guard Chris Paul. Cameron Brink of Lunar Owls was also spotted taking photos with French superstar Victor Wembanyama.

Even former WNBA star Candace Parker was present in the game.

On her Instagram, she posted a photo of her view on Friday, which features the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Sabrina Ionescu posted a photo of the Eiffel Tower on Instagram (@sabrina_i)

Sabrina Ionescu teased a possible appearance on the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend

During the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend, Ionescu took on the shooting challenge against Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. The WNBA star was close to winning, but Curry proved why he's the greatest shooter of all time.

For this season, however, there have been rumors that the Phantom star would challenge Curry in a shooting contest again. This time, rumors say she'll team up with the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, while the Warriors star will reunite with Klay Thompson, making it a 2-on-2 contest.

While in Paris, Ionescu was asked about the rumors of a potential shooting contest. The Liberty star said she would attend the All-Star festivities but did not confirm the rumors.

"It's in the Bay Area, so I'm definitely going to be there, don't have an answer yet on if I'm going to be participating in it yet but I'll definitely be there and hopefully some exciting things will happen," Ionescu said (Timestamp: 3:12).

With how she performed last year, fans want to see Ionescu rechallenge the NBA's best shooter.