The Connecticut Sun will host the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, looking to snap a five-game losing streak that began against the same opponent in July.
However, the Sun could be without their leading scorer this season, with Brittney Griner’s availability uncertain ahead of the scheduled 7:30 pm ET tip-off.
Griner has averaged 14.1 points over 16 games for Connecticut this season, the highest scoring average among players currently on the Sun roster. Her presence could prove crucial as the team looks to end its recent losing run.
Is Griner playing tonight?
According to Connecticut’s injury report released Thursday, Griner, 35, is listed as questionable because of a left knee issue.
“Game Status Report vs. Phoenix Mercury – 08.07.26 :Raegan Beers – OUT (Concussion Protocol), Brittney Griner – QUESTIONABLE (Left Knee)” the Sun tweeted on Thursday.
Griner has missed the Sun’s last four games and could now be sidelined for a fifth straight contest. Interestingly, the Baylor alum’s last appearance came against the Mercury, when she posted 19 points and five rebounds. However, the Sun still fell 72-63 in that July matchup.
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Being listed as questionable leaves the door open for Griner to play, with head coach Rachid Meziane expected to make the final decision based on her fitness and health.
Other players on Sun injury list
The Sun have also ruled out Raegan Beers for Friday’s game because of a concussion. Later in the Friday afternoon, Connecticut issued another update, listing Olivia Nelson-Ododa as probable due to an illness.
“UPDATED Game Status Report vs. Phoenix Mercury – 08.07.26: Olivia Nelson-Ododa – PROBABLE (Illness),” the team shared on X.
Positive Aaliyah Edwards update
The Sun also received a boost ahead of Friday’s matchup, with Aaliyah Edwards cleared to return after sitting out the previous four games because of a right knee injury.
How both teams stand
Connecticut comes into the contest at 7-23 following a road loss to the Dallas Wings on Sunday. Diamond Miller was the Sun’s leading scorer in that game, finishing with 22 points and four rebounds, while Kennedy Burke contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
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Phoenix, meanwhile, enters the matchup with a 12-20 record after falling to the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday.
Kelsey Plum paced the Mercury with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Alyssa Thomas posted 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the defeat.