Brittney Griner News Comes at Unfortunate Time for Atlanta Dream

Brittney Griner News Comes at Unfortunate Time for Atlanta Dream originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Atlanta Dream are 16-11 and in second place in the Eastern Conference with 17 games left in the regular season. They have won three of their last four contests and have the fifth-best record in the league, leaving them well-positioned to make the playoffs.

All-Stars Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones have led the way for Atlanta this season, but Howard is sidelined with a knee injury. Starting guard Jordin Canada also missed the last game, against the Dallas Wings, with an illness.

Former WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Brittney Griner was ejected against the Wings, playing only 15 minutes in the contest. She also seemed to be dealing with an injury.

Atlanta Dream Announce Their Injury Report Against the Phoenix Mercury

On Friday afternoon, USA Today women's sports reporter Meghan L. Hall reported Griner had been ruled out for Friday's contest against the Phoenix Mercury as she deals with a neck injury. Griner was listed as doubtful for the game on Thursday.

Griner has averaged 10.6 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Dream this season on 51.4% shooting from the floor. She has played in 25 of the team's 27 contests in 2025 but will be sidelined, along with Howard, for Friday's game against the Mercury.

Canada's injury status, as she battles back from an illness, has yet to be confirmed for the game against Phoenix.

Brittney Griner (neck) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s matchup against Phoenix.

— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) August 1, 2025

Brittney Griner Injury News Comes at Unfortunate Time for Atlanta Dream

Griner's injury comes at an unfortunate time for Atlanta. Phoenix has a strong trio of frontcourt players, including Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and recently signed DeWanna Bonner, who spent the first part of the season with the Indiana Fever.

Without Griner in the lineup, the Mercury will have a big advantage in the frontcourt with their length.

Related: Indiana Fever Coach Stephanie White Makes Feelings on DeWanna Bonner Clear

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.