WNBA Team Rules Out Three Players for Season Opener
The Phoenix Mercury will enter tonight's season opener against the Seattle Storm without three key contributors, dressing just nine players for their home tip-off at Footprint Center.
Veteran forward Kahleah Copper has been ruled out with a left knee issue. Copper appeared in the first preseason game versus the Las Vegas Aces, scoring six points with two assists, but missed the second game due to a back injury.
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Latvian wing Kitija Laksa is also unavailable, though her absence is not injury. Rounding out the trio is Natasha Mack, sidelined by a back problem.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts will lean on newly acquired All-Stars Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, part of a blockbuster four-team trade finalized in February, to anchor the frontcourt.
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists last season playing for the Connecticut Sun. In the backcourt, veterans Sami Whitcomb, Sevgi Uzun, and rookie Lexi Held will be asked to fill Copper's scoring void.
With Copper's 21.1 points per game from 2024 missing, Phoenix loses its leading scorer and usage leader.
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Kalani Brown and Alexis Prince are projected to provide interior scoring and rebounding for the Mercury. Laksa's absence removes a perimeter shooting threat, with no clear return timetable.
On the opposite side, Seattle loses out on only one, Katie Lou Samuelson, in the matchup, suffering from a right knee injury. Saturday's tip-off will serve as an early barometer for Nate Tibbetts's retooled roster under duress.
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