The Los Angeles Sparks will have to move forward without Cameron Brink for now, after the second-year forward suffered a left ankle sprain Monday against the Golden State Valkyries. Coach Lynne Roberts said Wednesday that the injury is significant enough to keep Brink out for an undetermined stretch.
“We don’t know [how long she’ll be out]. It’s a good ankle sprain,” Roberts said before the Sparks’ 99-83 loss to the Minnesota Lynx. “I don’t anticipate her being back in the short [term].”
Brink’s role has been meaningful
Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has been a steady contributor when healthy. Through 14 appearances this season, she has averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.5 minutes per game.
The Sparks have already had to manage more than one injury issue on the front line. They also played Wednesday without Kelsey Plum, the league’s second-leading scorer, who sat out with an ankle sprain of her own.
A difficult stretch for the Sparks
Brink has appeared in only 48 games across three seasons after tearing an ACL early in her rookie year. She returned from that injury late July of last year, making this latest setback another disruption for a player the Sparks have been trying to keep available.
“It’s going to have to be all hands on deck,” Roberts said of Brink’s absence.
Los Angeles entered the week hoping to build toward a playoff return for the first time since 2020, but Wednesday’s loss dropped the team to 7-8. With Brink sidelined and Plum also unavailable, the Sparks’ depth will be tested as they try to stay in the race.