The Connecticut Sun return to the floor on Thursday looking to bounce back from a difficult start to the second half of the season. After falling 92-84 to the Washington Mystics following the All-Star break, the Sun enter their matchup against the Chicago Sky at 7-21, the second-worst record in the WNBA. One of their biggest challenges has been keeping veteran center Brittney Griner healthy.
Griner signed with the franchise in free agency during the offseason and has been one of the team’s most productive players when on the floor. The 10-time WNBA All-Star is averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 16 games. However, injuries have repeatedly interrupted her first season with the Sun.
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Connecticut will once again be without its starting center on Thursday. Griner has been ruled out against the Sky with a left knee injury. The veteran center was sidelined against the Mystics and the Indiana Fever, making this her third consecutive absence.
The team also ruled out Aaliyah Edwards (knee) and will rely on center Olivia Nelson-Ododa and forward Aneesha Morrow.
The latest absence continues a frustrating stretch for Griner, who has also missed time this season because of rib, quad and knee injuries. It is worth noting that the 35-year old has managed at least 25 games in all but one season throughout her 13-year WNBA career.
Connecticut will try to snap its two-game skid without Griner when it visits Chicago on Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
