Six years without a constructive season, the Atlanta Dream had a centerpiece in Rhyne Howard. The 2022 1st overall pick was seen as the future of the franchise, but needed a change in personnel to utilize the full potential of the Kentucky star. And when the opportunity arrived, the franchise signed an experienced, dominating, and reliable center, Brittney Griner, to complement the guard. The 3x Olympian hit the ground running, averaging 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and one assist per game in the Dream’s first four games. But the HC Carl Smesko now has a task at hand after the injury report.

The 10-time All-Star participated in the pre-game shootaround before the game against the Connecticut Sun, but did not play. Just before the tip-off, Griner was ruled out due to an injury to her left knee. Atlanta started forward Nia Coffey in place of her alongside star Brionna Jones. But now, it looks like the distress continues. The veteran center has been ruled out of their upcoming game against the LA Sparks as well.

Considering it is the beginning of the season, the Dream is likely being cautious with the 34-year-old center. She has been put on the ‘day-to-day’ evaluation list, hoping to get her on the court as early as possible, but there are no extensive details available.

This would mean the Atlanta side now has three players on the injury list – Te-Hina Paopao, Brittney Griner, and Jordin Canada.

Griner has been no stranger to injuries, especially to her knee. She was sidelined for a portion of her rookie season for the same, and then a knee bruise kept her out in 2017. The star center was leading the league in scoring and blocks at the time. One positive aspect, though, was that she returned ahead of schedule and played a crucial role.

In the 2019 playoffs game, Griner suffered another knee injury, sidelining her from the series against the Chicago Sky. Although she tried to play through the pain, she was eventually carried out of the court. A fractured left toe, too, came her way in 2024. But despite the number of ‘leg’ injuries, Griner has come back strong each time. “You don’t give up when the times are tough. You buckle down. You endure and find a way to get out of them,” that’s a maxim from her father she carries with her.

But the eight-time blocks leader was a vital part of the Atlanta Dream’s defense line. Missing her for a significant time would impact their game plans and rotations. However, if you ask the head coach, he will tell you she’ll play a crucial enough role from the bench, too. “When [the Fever] were making a little bit of a run — she was the one calming everybody down,” he had shared. So expect Griner’s presence even when she’s away. But against the Sparks, reality might sting a little.

Brittney Griner will be missed in game against the Los Angeles Sparks

“Brittney is the perfect fit for this team, this organization, and this city,” said General Manager Dan Padover when the franchise signed her as a free agent. “She brings Hall of Fame talent, championship presence and leadership to our organization. This is a monumental moment for our franchise.” The rebuilding side was looking for strong veteran support for its talented rookie acquisitions. Griner was a perfect fit for the array of guards around her.

Now, with her absence due to injury, the side will have to make adjustments, especially playing against another superstar, Kelsey Plum. The 30-year-old guard is having her best offensive season at the moment. Along with two impactful forwards, Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby, in the Sparks’ lineup, Plum led the side to a 2-3 record in the first five games. With her drives to the rim and mid-range shooting, the Dream side will be looking for top interior presence to stop her, and Griner’s absence will be glaring.

Atlanta would roll out a starting lineup of Rhyne Howard, Alisha Grey, Maya Caldwell, Nia Coffey, and Brionna Jones, hoping to fill the gap left behind by their center.