Ariel Atkins injury update: Sparks guard sidelined vs. Tempo

Los Angeles Sparks guard Ariel Atkins will be sidelined for Friday’s game against the Toronto Tempo (10 p.m. ET, ION).  

The two-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist was added to the injury report Thursday with a concussion. Atkins exited Wednesday’s 87-78 loss to the Indiana Fever in the third quarter and didn’t return. She didn’t record a field goal in the matchup (0-of-4 attempts), finishing with two points from free throws in 16 minutes.  

Addressing reporters after the game, Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said Atkins was “clocked” by an elbow.  

In the Sparks’ season opener on Sunday, a 105-78 loss to the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, Atkins had eight points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.  

The Sparks are down to 10 available players as they continue the pursuit of their first win of the season. Forward Sania Feagin is also out with a lower leg injury. Roberts told reporters on Wednesday that Feagin strained her lower leg two days prior but did not offer a timeline for her return.  

Atkins joined the Sparks via trade from the Chicago Sky this offseason, in exchange for 2024 No. 4 overall pick Rickea Jackson. 

After spending the first seven seasons of her career with the Washington Mystics, Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 36.1% on 3.5 3-point attempts for the Sky last season.  

The five-time All-Defense honoree has been one of the league’s most dependable two-way players.  

Toronto, one of the league’s two new expansion teams this season, will be without forward Isabelle Harrison (right hand) and Temi Fágbénlé (right shoulder) as it visits the Sparks.  

The Tempo beat the Seattle Storm 86-73 on Tuesday for their first victory in franchise history. Marina Mabrey scored 26 points with six 3-pointers in the win, while Brittney Sykes added 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists.