Ariel Atkins injury update: Sparks guard sidelined vs. Tempo
The Sparks will be down to 10 healthy players as they pursue their first win of the season.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Ariel Atkins will be sidelined for Friday’s game against the Toronto Tempo (10 p. m. ET, ION).
The two-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist was added to the injury report Thursday with a concussion. Atkins exited Wednesday’s 87-78 loss to the Indiana Fever in the third quarter and didn’t return. She didn’t record a field goal in the matchup (0-of-4 attempts), finishing with two points from free throws in 16 minutes.
Addressing reporters after the game, Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said Atkins was “clocked” by an elbow. In the Sparks’ season opener on Sunday, a 105-78 loss to the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, Atkins had eight points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Sparks are down to 10 available players as they continue the pursuit of their first win of the season.
Forward Sania Feagin is also out with a lower leg injury. Roberts told reporters on Wednesday that Feagin strained her lower leg two days prior but did not offer a timeline for her return. Atkins joined the Sparks via trade from the Chicago Sky this offseason, in exchange for 2024 No.