Troubled WNBA Team Gets Bad News on Friday

Troubled WNBA Team Gets Bad News on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

WNBA fans have been treated to two games on the docket on Friday night. The Paige Bueckers-less Dallas Wings host the Los Angeles Sparks in a late 9:30 pm ET tip-off, which is preceded by a matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena.

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In the first game of the evening, the Sun are looking to secure just their second win in what has been a troubling start to the season. Connecticut entered Friday’s matchup against Brittney Griner and Co. with a 1-6 record and in dire need of a victory.

Unfortunately for the Sun, they got some bad news in the first half of the game. This came in the form of starting center Olivia Nelson-Ododa suffering a concerning ankle injury.

It was later revealed that the 24-year-old would not be able to return to the game due to the ankle issue. 

The Sun have yet to provide the details of Nelson-Ododa’s injury as well as whether she will be forced to miss time because of the same. However, the fact that the former UCOnn star was quickly ruled out from returning to Friday’s game does not exactly bode well for her status moving forward.

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Nelson-Ododa is not exactly a superstar, but she has been integral to the Sky’s rotation this season. In seven starts prior to Friday night, the 6-foot-5 center has averaged 9.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in 24.1 minutes per game.

Rookie Kariata Diaby got the nod to start the second half for Connecticut in Nelson-Odada’s place, and this unwanted turn of events could mean more playing time for the undrafted rookie.

Related: Caitlin Clark’s Behavior Toward Aliyah Boston During Fever-Sun Game Catches Attention

Related: New Video Shows Paige Bueckers’ Postgame Exchange With Sun Player

Related: Slow-Mo Video of Caitlin Clark’s Controversial Incident vs. Sun Has Fans Divided

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.