WNBA Teams Battle Injuries in Playoff Push

The Seattle Storm, led by Nneka Ogwumike, are set to host the Los Angeles Sparks in a Western Conference matchup with playoff seeding implications; Seattle remains without Katie Lou Samuelson due to a torn ACL. The game features Ogwumike facing her former team and the Sparks relying on rookie Cameron Brink, who has recently returned from injury. The Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream, both holding 16 wins, will compete for a top-three spot, but Atlanta's lineup is uncertain with Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard injured. The Chicago Sky, attempting to end a six-game losing streak while missing Angel Reese and Courtney Vandersloot, will play the Golden State Valkyries, the league's new expansion team. Injuries and returning stars are shaping the outcomes as teams vie for playoff positioning. The intensity of these matchups reflects the high stakes late in the WNBA season.