Marina Mabrey, star guard for the Phantom, will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks due to a calf strain sustained during training camp.
The new professional women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, kicking off Friday, confirmed that Mabrey’s right calf strain was diagnosed following an MRI conducted by team physician Dr. Danica Vance. She will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Unrivaled injury update:
Phantom BC’s guard Marina Mabrey sustained a right calf strain during training camp, and will be re-evaluated in 2-4 weeks.
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) January 16, 2025
Fortunately for the Phantom, they are one of five 6-player teams. Even with Mabrey’s absence, they will start the season with five healthy players. This matches the Lunar Owls, who also have five players available, despite Cameron Brink sitting out this season due to recovery from a torn ACL.
The rest of the Phantom lineup, including Satou Sabally, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud, Katie Lou Samuelson, and Sabrina Ionescu, will need to elevate their performance in Mabrey’s absence, which could extend into the first half of the 9-week season.
Unrivaled features 36 WNBA stars, with the league’s 1-on-1 tournament set to commence on February 10, potentially impacting Mabrey’s participation.
Last season, Mabrey, a guard for the Connecticut Sun, averaged 14.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Midseason, she was traded from the Chicago Sky to Connecticut, becoming a crucial postseason player, averaging 15.9 points during the playoffs. She did sprain her ankle in the Sun’s final playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx but recovered in time for training camp.
Despite Mabrey’s injury, the Phantom roster remains potent. Head coach Adam Harrington will leverage the playmaking and shooting strengths of Ionescu and Cloud, alongside Sabally’s versatile two-way skills.
Sabrina Ionescu is cleared to play in Unrivaled
Ionescu, having recently undergone surgery to repair a torn UCL in her right thumb, reported on Thursday that she is cleared to participate in games, despite not being at 100% health.
“[The recovery] has been a little sped up,” Ionescu stated. “Had it not been for this situation, I likely would have taken more time for rehab. However, I’m fully cleared by the doctors to play and will continue my rehabilitation while getting live reps.”
Ionescu also mentioned she has planned absences during the season, including for the NBA All-Star weekend, but emphasized her commitment to the team.
Before Mabrey’s injury, Bleacher Report’s Nekias Duncan had predicted the Phantom to be the top team in Unrivaled.
