Brittney Griner, Atlanta Dream Dealt Tough Injury Blow Around WNBA Rookie

The Brittney Griner-led Atlanta Dream defeated the Dallas Wings, 83-75, on Saturday inside the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta.

However, the Dream's roster left the outing wounded as they head into Sunday’s game against the Connecticut Sun. Rookie guard Te-Hina Paopao is listed as out with a facial injury after being hit in the eye and taken to the locker room during the first quarter of Saturday’s game.

She finished her fourth start with Atlanta by recording a rebound and an assist in six minutes of playing time. In the first three contests she appeared in, Paopao averaged 24 minutes per game.

The Dream are also without guard Jordin Canada, who injured her right knee during the first seconds of a preseason game against the Washington Mystics. Her injury occurred when she landed on the court after attempting a shot. Her right knee couldn’t sustain the weight, leading to her collapsing on the ground. Here’s a look at the Dreams current game status report.

Canada — OUT (Right Knee)

Paopao — OUT (Facial Injury) NWT

Even though early-season injuries have riddled Atlanta’s roster, they hold a 2-2 record heading into their game against the Sun.

Griner, the center, has been at the forefront of all their efforts. She is averaging 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

The 34-year-old scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds in their game against Dallas. Her season high in points was 21 against the Indiana Fever on Tuesday.