The debut for the class of 2025 WNBA draft has been a treat to watch. The Washington Mystics’ Sonia Citron is shining brightest with a strong 19-point performance in the opening game. After seeing off Te-Hina Paopao of her draft class, she was supposed to be up against another strong rookie, Aneesah Morrow. And it was supposed to be another exciting match-up between two top forwards of the same draft class. However, while Citron will suit up and is expected to play for the Mystics, there are questions about Aneesah Morrow’s availability.

The anticipation around Morrow is no small thing. “She has that dog mentality,” said her new teammate Saniya Rivers, remembering their NCAA Sweet 16 matchup where Morrow left Rivers dreading the thought of guarding her in the pros. “I’m so happy to be playing with her… we’re going to make some noise for sure”. So, yes, the injury report isn’t just an injury report; it has confirmed something that most feared.

As per the reports from the Sun franchise, Aneesah Morrow is ruled out in the season opener, owing to a knee issue. The star had missed preseason games as well due to undisclosed injuries, and it seems that the franchise is not looking to rush her to the WNBA games. As Emily Adams shared on X: Coach Rachid Meziane has seemed optimistic about having Morrow back soon, but has also repeatedly emphasized that they’re trying to be extra cautious coming off the long college season. So, yes, not enough to worry about, we hope.

The LSU star had been very consistent throughout her collegiate career, but since 2025, the forward has faced many issues. In February, Morrow sustained a mid-foot sprain during a game against Texas. Though there was no structural damage, it caused soreness and forced her out of the game against Georgia. The injury worsened during the SEC Semifinals against Texas as Morrow stepped on her opponent. HC Mulkey provided an update, mentioning that “reaggravated a mid-foot sprain”, but she denied that the forward will miss the NCAA Tournament. “She’s good to go,” Mulkey said. “I’m not surprised. She was fighting them to get back in the game.”.

She was spot-on as Aneesah played a crucial role in helping LSU to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Competition, but then a nose injury halted her progress again. In the game against UCLA, Morrow got hit on the nose, leaving her face bloodied. These were some injuries that had impacted Aneesah Morrow’s game to some extent, but the NCAA rebounding leader for 2022 and 2025 showcased her resilience.

After being drafted, Morrow participated in team training sessions but missed the preseason games. When asked about her progress, Optimistic Morrow looked certain to take the court. “I’ve been enjoying myself. I’ve been having fun being around the vets,” Morrow told the interviewer, “Being around the team, just learning a lot, and enjoying the process, honestly.”

“Sometimes it feel like it’s a whirlwind, but you have to.” Morrow reflected on her WNBA feelings, “You know, try to find your balance. I feel like as athletes, we never really find our balance, but as of right now, I have a great support system with the coaching staff and my teammates.”

Drafted as the seventh overall pick by the Connecticut Sun, Aneesah Morrow will have to wait for her WNBA debut and is expected to play a key role in her opening game. And judging from how she is, she will definitely be back with a bang. For now, though, there will be a few more absentees for the Sun’s opening game.

Players who could miss the Mystics vs the Sun WNBA game

Fans will not see Aneesah Morrow on the court, but there are some other names, too, that are certain to miss the game. Two guards from the Sun franchise will be questionable: Leila Lacan and Saniya Rivers. Lecan’s contract is temporarily suspended because of overseas commitments, and she will be permitted to join the team later this season. Meanwhile, Rivers is out because of a personal reason, as her mother recently passed away.

For the Washington Mystics, Aaliyah Edwards and Georgia Amoore will be out of the rotation. A lower back problem affects Edwards, and doctors will reevaluate her in about two weeks. However, Georgia Amoore is set to miss the 2025 season after a successful ACL surgery. Shakira Austin is another name from the Mystics roster in the probable lists after a leg injury. Despite these absences, the game is expected to be a close one with both teams looking for a strong start.

With three players out from the Sun’s side, they will have nine players on the roster, two of them being rookies. This game will prove to be really crucial for them, as they have gone through a major overhaul. Their entire starting lineup is new, with Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Tyasha Harris, DiJonai Carrington, and Brionna Jones gone. Furthermore, they do not have one of the most proven HCs in Stephanie White anymore.

What do you think? Will they be able to reach the WNBA semifinals again this time? And if they do, will they be facing off against White’s Indiana Fever?