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Connecticut Sun Make Announcement After Brittney Griner Decision
David Butler II-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect


The Connecticut Sun will once again take the floor without one of their biggest stars on Thursday night. Ahead of their road matchup against the Chicago Sky, the Sun officially ruled veteran center Brittney Griner out for a third consecutive game as she continues to recover from a left knee injury.

Griner has been one of Connecticut's top performers this season, making her absence a significant blow for a team looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Shortly after confirming Griner's status, the Sun also made another roster announcement involving rookie guard Ashlon Jackson.

While Griner's injury was the headline, Connecticut's updated game status report revealed another change as the team prepares for an important Eastern Conference matchup. With both teams sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, every game has become increasingly important as the regular season enters its final stretch, making Thursday night's availability report especially noteworthy.

Sun Rule Ashlon Jackson Out

After confirming Brittney Griner would remain unavailable, the Sun released an updated game status report that included another roster decision ahead of Thursday night's game against the Chicago Sky.

According to Connecticut's official injury report, rookie guard Ashlon Jackson has been ruled out due to a coach's decision.

Jackson has seen limited playing time during her rookie season but has remained available as a depth option in Connecticut's backcourt. Thursday's decision means the Sun will have one fewer guard available as they attempt to end a three-game losing streak.

Connecticut enters the matchup with a 7-21 record, while Chicago is 9-18 entering Thursday night's contest at Wintrust Arena.

Brittney Griner Remains Sidelined

Although Jackson's status was part of Connecticut's latest update, Griner's absence remains the biggest storyline for the Sun.

The veteran center is officially out for a third consecutive game because of a left knee injury. According to ESPN, Kennedy Burke and rookie forward Aneesah Morrow are expected to help absorb more of the workload in the frontcourt while Griner continues her recovery

Despite appearing in only 16 games this season, Griner has made a significant impact whenever she has been on the floor. The 10-time WNBA All-Star is averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 54.4% from the field.

Griner last suited up on July 19 against the Phoenix Mercury, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots in 31 minutes.

The Sun will now look to overcome another shorthanded lineup as they try to avoid a fourth straight loss. Meanwhile, the Sky enter Thursday's matchup looking to snap a two-game losing streak of their own, setting up an important meeting between two teams searching for momentum during the second half of the WNBA season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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