Sabrina Ionescu Injury Update: Liberty Star's Status Following Ankle Setback
The Liberty will have to start the regular season without Sabrina Ionescu, but the injury update is not as bad as it initially could have been. Ionescu rolled her ankle during New York's preseason game against the Connecticut Sun and is now expected to miss at least two weeks, including the opener.
The good news for the Liberty is that Monday's MRI reportedly showed no significant injury, meaning this looks more like a short-term setback than a major concern. Still, with the season about to begin, New York will have to manage the early stretch without one of its most important players.
BREAKING: Sabrina Ionescu is expected to miss at least two weeks after she rolled her left ankle last night, a team source tells The Post.
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) May 4, 2026
An MRI showed Ionescu avoided "significant injury," a source said. She'll be re-evaluated in two weeks.
The news was first reported by Madeline Kenney who confirmed, "BREAKING: Sabrina Ionescu is expected to miss at least two weeks after she rolled her left ankle last night, a team source tells The Post. An MRI showed Ionescu avoided "significant injury," a source said. She'll be re-evaluated in two weeks."
Sabrina Ionescu Avoids Serious Injury MRI Scan Reveals
The bigger issue for New York is not just missing Ionescu's points. It is everything else she brings to the floor.
She was one of the Liberty's most dependable players last season, giving them scoring, spacing, playmaking, and heavy minutes. When she is out, the offense naturally looks different. The ball may spend more time in Breanna Stewart's hands, Jonquel Jones may be used more as a hub, and the guards around them will have to be sharper with their decision-making.
That is especially important early in the season, when teams are still trying to build rhythm. New York does not want to spend the first few games searching for structure, but Ionescu's absence forces some immediate adjustments. The Liberty have enough talent to stay competitive, but replacing her control and shot-making is not simple.
The team will probably be careful with her recovery too. Given her previous ankle history, there is no real reason to rush her back for May games if there is any lingering discomfort. The Liberty's season will be judged by what happens later, not by whether she returns a few days earlier.
So while this is not a crisis, it is definitely an annoying early setback. New York can manage it, but the opening stretch now becomes more about staying steady, keeping everyone healthy, and making sure Ionescu returns without any added risk.
Related: Indiana Fever's Lexie Hull Shares Injury Update Ahead of Dallas Season Opener
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 3:02 PM.