Mercury, Sparks Hit by Early-Season Injuries

Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper, last season's third-leading scorer in the WNBA, will miss four to six weeks after left knee arthroscopy, while forward/center Natasha Mack is also sidelined for two to three weeks with a lower back injury. These absences come as the Mercury adjust to the recent retirement of Diana Taurasi and the departure of Brittney Griner, leaving offseason acquisitions Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to shoulder more responsibility. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sparks are coping with multiple injuries: Rickea Jackson exited Sunday's game with a mouth injury, Rae Burrell is out for 6-8 weeks, and Cameron Brink remains sidelined due to a knee issue. If Jackson is unable to return soon, rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker is expected to see increased playing time for the Sparks. Both teams face significant challenges as they navigate early-season injuries to key contributors. The Mercury and Sparks will need to adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness.