Why is Brittney Griner not playing tonight against Atlanta Dreams? Looking closer at Phoenix's star's condition (May 18)

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner will be sidelined for the upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Dreams, the team announced. Brittney Griner sustained a fractured toe on her left foot and will undergo re-evaluation in the "coming weeks."

The exact circumstances of Griner's injury remain undisclosed. Consequently, she was absent from Friday's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Sparks, where she was spotted wearing a walking boot and using a scooter.

With the regular season defeat against the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, Griner's availability remains uncertain for Phoenix to fill in her gap.

She only participated in one preseason game, registering five points and four rebounds in 15 minutes during an 85-59 loss to the Seattle Storm on May 7. Despite this setback, the eight-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year is poised to embark on her 11th season with the Mercury, providing essential size for a roster dominated by guards and forwards.

Phoenix Mercury missed Brittney Griner and her size against Las Vegas Aces

The Mercury showcased resilience against the Aces, despite entering the game as double-digit underdogs and ultimately losing by only nine points. While Vegas initially outscored Phoenix by 15 points in the first quarter, suggesting a potential blowout, the Mercury fought back strongly, outscoring the Aces by 14 points in the second quarter to keep the game close at halftime.

This competitive spirit persisted throughout the game, with Vegas leading by only six points after three quarters and never delivering a decisive knockout blow. Phoenix remained competitive deep into the fourth quarter against the formidable Aces, which should instill confidence in their ability to compete at a high level.

However, to solidify their progress, the Mercury now aim for a victory over Atlanta to further affirm their trajectory on the right track.

Brittney Griner could miss out on US National Team

Griner's injury may also have implications for her position on the U.S. national team for the Olympics. The team's next gathering isn't until mid-July, with a scheduled matchup against the WNBA All-Stars on July 21 before their departure for Paris. Their first Olympic game is set for July 29 against Japan.

Despite her injury setback, Griner remains a seasoned player, having competed in 31 games for the Mercury last season. With previous gold medal victories in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2021), representing Team USA holds special significance for her.