The New York Liberty began this WNBA season with firepower, making them look like instant contenders. Lately, however, the momentum has started to dip. Having dropped three of their last five games, the Liberty now sit with a (22-14) record in the league.

Their most recent setback came on August 21 against the Chicago Sky (91-85), a defeat in which Breanna Stewart’s absence was impossible to ignore. Now heading into a crucial showdown against the Atlanta Dream, Liberty fans are left wondering whether Stewart will finally make her return on August 23.

Will Breanna Stewart Suit up Against the Atlanta Dream?

Unfortunately, there’s bad news on that front. According to the latest injury report from ESPN, Stewart has officially been listed as out for tonight’s clash due to her lingering knee injury.

The injury itself dates back to July 26, when the Liberty faced the Los Angeles Sparks. Stewart looked sharp early, scoring three quick points in just over three minutes of play. But disaster struck soon after.

As the Liberty led by a point in the opening quarter, Stewart hustled back on defense before suddenly slowing down, and she was visibly uncomfortable. Moments later, she raised her arm and signaled to the bench that something was wrong.

Team staff removed her from the game, and further imaging later confirmed that pulling her early may have prevented far more serious damage to her right leg.

Since then, Stewart has been sidelined and has missed 12 straight games for the Liberty. Before the injury, she was putting together another stellar campaign as the Liberty star was averaging 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per contest.

Still, there’s a glimmer of optimism. Reports suggest that Stewart was a full participant in Monday’s practice and showed positive signs of recovery.

Even though she won’t suit up against Atlanta, she is expected to return to the roster before her 31st birthday on August 27, which is a massive boost for New York heading into the season’s final stretch.

“Yeah, she looked good. We didn’t really go live, so we’ll keep building her up these next few days. She feels good, she looks good. So hopefully we can get her back [soon],” said Liberty HC Sandy Brondello regarding Stewart.

But Stewart isn’t the only Liberty player on the sidelines. The other players on the injury list are:

  • Isabelle Harrison – Out (Concussion)
  • Nyara Sabally – Out (Knee Issue)

Condition of the Atlanta Dream Squad

The Atlanta Dream enters the matchup in far better health, as their only player currently listed on the injury report is Jordin Canada. The Dream currently boasts an impressive 23-13 record and sits comfortably at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Their squad is anchored by standout performers Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, who have averaged 18.8 and 16.5 points per game, respectively, this season. This dynamic duo is expected to provide stern competition for a Shorthanded Liberty team.

With Stewart sidelined, the pressure falls squarely on players like Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud to elevate their games and carry the offensive load. Both players will need to step up significantly during Saturday’s game.

The tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on August 23 at the Gateway Center Arena, so tonight’s matchup promises intensity even without Stewart.