Connecticut Sun Announce Unfortunate Brittney Griner Decision on Wednesday
The Connecticut Sun received some disappointing news just before tipoff on Wednesday, as veteran center Brittney Griner was unexpectedly ruled out for the team's matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.
The late injury update comes at a difficult time for Connecticut, which has been trying to build momentum after a challenging start to the 2026 WNBA season. Griner has been one of the Sun's most productive players since joining the franchise, and her absence leaves a significant void against one of the league's top teams.
After delivering one of her best performances of the season earlier this week against the same opponent, Connecticut will now have to find a way to compete without its star center.
Yahoo Sports shared the announcement on social media Wednesday afternoon.
"Brittney Griner (quad) ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Lynx, the team announced."
According to the team's official injury report, Griner is sidelined with a left quadriceps strain. The injury comes as a surprise after she was not listed on the initial injury report entering Wednesday's contest.
Brittney Griner (quad) ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Lynx, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/iS8qIdvusp
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 8, 2026
Sun Lose Leading Frontcourt Presence
Griner has played an important role during her first season in Connecticut, averaging 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting an efficient 53.7% from the field across 13 appearances.
The 10-time WNBA All-Star has also continued to anchor the Sun defensively, averaging 1.8 blocks per game while recently becoming the WNBA's all-time leader in blocked shots.
Her absence is especially notable considering what she accomplished against Minnesota just two days earlier. In Connecticut's dramatic 90-89 victory over the Lynx on Monday, Griner dominated with 29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in one of her strongest outings of the year.
Connecticut Will Lean On Its Young Frontcourt
With Griner unavailable, Connecticut will likely ask Raegan Beers and Aaliyah Edwards to take on larger roles in the frontcourt against the Lynx.
The Sun enter Wednesday's game at 5-16 and are looking to build on the confidence gained from Monday's upset victory over Minnesota. Doing so without Griner, however, presents a much tougher challenge.
While the team has labeled the veteran center out due to a left quadriceps strain, she is currently considered day-to-day ahead of Connecticut's next game Friday against the Golden State Valkyries.
For now, the Sun will have to try to complete another upset without one of the league's most accomplished and impactful players.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 8:12 PM.