Sabrina Ionescu out vs. Dream in troubling Liberty injury concern

ATLANTA — Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu won’t play in Saturday’s game against the Dream after suffering a left foot injury. 

The Liberty ruled Ionescu out about three hours before tip-off.

It’s a tough break for the defending champions, who’ve been riddled with injuries this season. 

Ionescu is the second starter the Liberty will be without in Saturday’s big game that carries playoff implications.

Breanna Stewart (right knee) also didn’t make the trip to Atlanta, nor did Nyara Sabally (right knee) and Isabelle Harrison (concussion protocol.) 

The Liberty, who have only eight regular-season games remaining, woke up Saturday morning in fifth place in the WNBA standings after the Mercury jumped them by beating the Valkyries on Friday night. 

While Phoenix and New York have the same record, the Mercury currently hold the tiebreaker against the Liberty, though that could potentially change when the teams play one another next weekend. 

Ionescu was initially listed as questionable after she suffered a left foot injury in Thursday’s 91-85 loss to Chicago. 

Late in the game, Ionescu got tangled up with Sky center Kamilla Cardoso while going for a loose ball. After the play, Ionescu got up with a limp and walked it off. 

She ultimately stayed in the game before fouling out in the final minute. 

Saturday will be Ionescu’s second game she’s missed this season. 

Ionescu is averaging 19 points, 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 35 games this season.