Overview
- The Los Angeles Sparks said Tuesday that Kelsey Plum suffered a sprained right ankle during an open five-on-five practice and was helped off the court.
- The team announced Plum will be re-evaluated in one week and is expected to miss at least that span, meaning she will not play in the upcoming games at Washington and Connecticut.
- Plum’s absence forces immediate lineup contingency plans, with Erica Wheeler likely to take a larger on-ball role and younger guards such as Kate Martin projected to see increased minutes.
- Reporters and eyewitnesses clarified the injury happened during the structured scrimmage rather than a filmed playful moment with teammate Nneka Ogwumike, and coaches offered no firm timetable beyond the week-long check.
- Plum entered the season leading the WNBA in scoring with MVP discussion growing, and her prior torn Achilles in 2020 explains the franchise’s cautious approach while her availability will shape the Sparks’ short-term competitiveness and USA Basketball prospects.