Kelsey Plum is sidelined for at least one week following an ankle sprain during Tuesday’s practice. Her absence removes a league-high 26.8 points per game from the rotation during a critical two-game stretch.

Four-time WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum has suffered an ankle injury that could potentially keep her out of a few games. The Los Angeles Sparks could be in trouble amid the loss of their star player of the season.

The injury seems to have occurred during Tuesday's practice, with several players reported to have helped her off the court.

Coach Lynne Roberts commented on the injury, saying that it "looks like an ankle" injury, as reported by Justin Russo.

LA Sparks PR later released a statement regarding Plum's injury.

"Kelsey Plum sustained an ankle sprain during practice today and will be re-evaluated in one week," the Sparks reported. "Further updates will be provided as appropriate."

This injury is a significant blow to the Sparks, considering that Plum was their vital player for the season, as she is also the WNBA's leading scorer at 26.8 points per game through six games.

Not only that, her stats showcase her shooting quality, shooting 58.9% from the field and 48.8% from the 3-point arc. This is also a rare occurrence for the player herself, as she has missed only four games combined in the previous four seasons.

She missed the 2021 season due to a left Achilles tendon injury and underwent surgery. The team will also miss the likes of Nneka Ogwumike, who is sidelined with a left-hand injury.

But what could these injury woes mean for the LA Sparks?

Is the LA Sparks' Future in Jeopardy Without Plum

There is no doubt that Plum has been Sparks' star player, but Ogwumike is in great form too.

Ogwumike is averaging 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

LA Sparks will play two straight games on Friday and Saturday against the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun. With these two key players out of the play, Sparks would need another face to step up.

That face could be forward, Dearica Hamby, who has averaged 18.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Sparks are on a two-game streak and have won three out of the six they have played. They would need to rely on players such as Cameron Brink as well, who tops the charts for most blocks per game for the team at 1.7.

Sparks would need to continue their winning streak while their star players are still recovering from their injuries.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Koushik Biswas