Sabrina Ionescu Injury Update: Will Liberty Star Play Against vs. Mercury?

The player suffered a lower leg injury during the final preseason game. While she trained with the team, the staff was not looking to hurry her into the action, trying to avoid any serious injury.

Although Marina Johannes refused to accept player injuries as a reason for the team’s recent poor performance, the stats certainly contradict her.

New York Liberty Struggles Without Sabrina Ionescu

The New York Liberty had been struggling without its 2020 first overall pick, highlighting her role as the team’s offensive engine. During her absence in her 2020 rookie season, the Liberty plummeted to a dismal 2-19 record. Throughout her career, the team has consistently struggled to generate high-percentage scoring opportunities and secure wins when she is missing.

Although the addition of Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones helped the side tackle with Sab’s absence, the team still holds an 11-26 record. When Ionescu is sidelined, the offense often stagnates, frequently relying on less-efficient perimeter shooting. Historically, her absence disrupts the team’s assist numbers, too.

In the 2026 season, the losses against the expansion team already raised concerns over the Liberty’s championship contention, and now the prolonged absence of one of its megastars certainly puts the franchise under pressure to perform.