May 6, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) during the first quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Sparks Provide Massive Injury Update Ahead of Home Opener

Originally posted on Los Angeles Sparks on SI
By Ben Geffner | Last updated May 18, 2025 8:19 PM ET

The Los Angeles Sparks pulled off a convincing 84-67 season-opening win over the Golden State Valkyries on Friday night — a timely victory to begin 2025 in front of a sellout Chase Center crowd.

Despite the double-digit result and a career night for star guard Kelsey Plum, fellow backcourt running mate Rae Burrell sustained a right leg injury within the game's opening minute, just 41 seconds in.

"Thank you for all the love and prayers," the 6-foot-2 guard, now in her fourth season in Los Angeles, shared on social media following the injury.

Thank you for all the love and prayers❤️
— Rae Burrell (@Raehoops) May 17, 2025

On Saturday, the Sparks announced Burrell will miss six to eight weeks and is expected to make a full recovery.

Burrell averaged 5.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in just over 15 minutes per game in 2024.

RAE BURRELL

Make that 9 PTS on 3-4 shooting

Live on X pic.twitter.com/l5hxyDqXHP
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 16, 2024

Prior to Sunday's home-opener, Sparks' coach Lynne Roberts noted the expectation for others — such as rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker — to step up in the Los Angeles backcourt in the wake of Burrell's injury.

"Yes, maybe [Barker's] minutes are going to be a little bit expedited in terms of our need for her now," Roberts said. "But I have so much confidence.

"[Rae Burrell] was ready to roll ... it's just sometimes life sucks and bad things happen," she added. "I spoke with her yesterday for a long time — she's okay. I think it could have been worse, we were all worried it was going to be worse ... It's just unfortunate, but it's part of it. Next man up."

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Sparks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: