The defending champions are on a hot run. 3-0 in the 2025 WNBA season, including games against Las Vegas Aces, Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. Two of the opponents were title contenders this season, highlighting the strong roster New York Liberty has. Yet, the side is one injury away from putting their perfect start under threat.

With 12 players on the roster, Liberty has equal players in both guard and forward departments. But this puts the forward line, with three positions to fill, more vulnerable. And the inevitable just struck the Liberty side. As per the latest update, Nyara Sabally missed the practice due to knee issues. While the franchise only informed about Nyara’s absence, journalist Jackie Powell had details.

“Nyara Sabally has been ruled as QUESTIONABLE (right knee) going into tomorrow night’s game against the Golden State Valkyries.” Jackie shared on X. “She wasn’t in practice this afternoon as she was off at an previously scheduled appointment for her knee for maintenance,” Even though Nyara is not a regular starter at the Liberty side, she is an important piece, clocking in 10-odd minutes for the champions. The 25-year-old center has only appeared in two games for the Liberty this season. In those games, she averaged 4 points and 4 rebounds per game with one assist and one steal.

After the recent, just one possession margin, win over the Fever, these 10 minutes and 6-7 possessions look vital in close games. Getting Nyara Sabally back would be the team’s aim, but the wait could be longer than expected. This is the same knee that Sabally got an Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OCA) surgery on in 2022, weeks after she was drafted. She missed the entire season.

Prior to that, Sabally suffered ACL injuries on two different occasions. The first one was with the German team during the FIBA U18 event in 2018. And then in 2019, during her time at Oregon. She played only 47 games in her college career before entering the WNBA draft. Before the start of the 2025 season, coach Sandy Brondello showed a positive response to Sabally’s availability for the season.

“She’s in shape, she’s just come off the season, so that’s not a problem,” Brondello said. “It’s great to have her in training camp because we’re always limiting her and she … was injured in the past, so she feels good and excited to have her and continue to build her because we think the sky’s the limit for her.” But now, the injury update might limit Sabally’s participation in games. The team will be hoping for an early return for Sabally, as they will take on the expansion team—Golden State Valkyries, next.

New York Liberty’s vs fiery Valkyries will be an exciting matchup

The Golden State Valkyries are on a two-game winning streak at the moment and have a lot to prove in the league. Since the franchise was announced, the Bay Area was buzzing with enthusiasm. On the opening day, there were multiple records set, including the attendance record for the Valks. Although the side is new, they have experienced players on the roster, capable of making key plays.

In three games played so far, the Valkyries have shown great resilience. They can be a strong competition in the coming years with the development shown. Though the Valkyries are not expected to seriously compete for a playoff spot in 2025, they may be able to surprise the WNBA world with some unexpected wins.

The Liberty side is an experienced and well-oiled engine. With its top three players, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones already in good form, the side is once again favorite to retain the title. The addition of Natasha Cloud from the Connecticut Sun handed them a solid two-way guard, boosting their talented roster.

As for Sabally’s injury status, the New York Liberty will provide updates ahead of tip-off on Tuesday night.