Sky coach and general manager announced an hour before tipoff against the New York Liberty that Candace Parker would not play due to an ankle sprain.
The team said Parker came down awkwardly on her ankle in shootaround ahead of the Sky’s road game against the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday. Since then, she has been resting it and working with trainers on mobility while taking things light in practice.
At the team’s video shoot on Friday evening, Parker was hopeful that she would make her debut in front of her home crowd. Ultimately, Wade said she was working on it ahead of Sunday’s game but didn’t think it was a good idea for her to play.
He continued saying he doesn’t know when she will play next.
“We have a full season ahead of us,” Wade said during media availability Friday. “This is game three of the season. This is the home opener, but she’s here. She’s going to appear in many home games.”
Starting in her place will be Ruthy Hebard who had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds against the Dream.
Azurá Stevens, who has been out the first two games of the season is expected to get her first minutes of the season against the Liberty. Allie Quigley is out with a hamstring injury.
