Kelsey Plum Injured, Latest Updates on WNBA Star's Status and Timeline to Return to Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks announced that guard Kelsey Plum, who is averaging a WNBA-high 26.8 points per game, suffered a sprained ankle during Tuesday's practice and will be re-evaluated in one week (h/t ESPN's Alexa Philippou).

Independent journalist Justin Russo provided more information.

"Kelsey Plum appeared to suffer a right lower leg injury during practice today and was helped off the floor by several players. [Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts] said after practice that it 'looks like an ankle' injury but that they do not know how bad."

Plum has been nothing short of phenomenal to start the 2026 season. Not only does she lead the league in scoring, but the ex-Washington star has shot 58.9 percent from the field, including 48.8 percent of her three-pointers. Plum has been consistent as well, scoring 25 or more points in five of six contests. She's also been an excellent distributor as well with 6.3 assists per game.

The apex of her season occurred on Saturday, when Plum dropped 38 points on 12-of-17 shooting and dished nine assists in a 101-95 road win over the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces. Plum and the Sparks got that done despite missing 10-time All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumike due to a left hand injury.

Given the week-long evaluation timeline, Plum appears likely to miss three games at minimum: at the Washington Mystics (Friday), at the Connecticut Sun (Saturday) and home vs. the Aces (next Tuesday). Her next chance to play, then, would be Friday, July 5 at home vs. the Dallas Wings. L.A. then plays the Portland Fire at home on Sunday, July 7.

Without Plum, the onus should be on fellow starting guards Erika Wheeler and Ariel Atkins to produce more, while the same can be said for Rae Burrell, who appears most likely to take Plum's staring lineup spot. Kate Martin is a candidate to see more minutes off the bench.

The hope, of course, is that Plum can return ASAP after the week-long break. In addition, the Sparks hope Ogwumike returns soon. She was listed as probable for the Sparks' matchup with the Aces before being ruled out. The "probable" designation at least brings hope she could be on the way back sometime soon if there was optimism she could play.