New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart will miss Tuesday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a bone bruise in her knee. Stewart has been sidelined since the previous encounter with the Sparks on July 26, when she managed to play just three minutes before exiting the game because of the injury.

Despite Stewart‘s absence, the Liberty currently hold the No. 2 seed in the WNBA standings, tied with the Atlanta Dream, and are still favored to win Tuesday’s game. The team has gone 3-5 since Stewart’s injury, underscoring the challenge of playing without one of their top contributors.

Expected Timeline for Stewart’s Return

The Liberty anticipate Stewart will return later this month, meaning she is expected to miss several more games. Her presence remains crucial for New York’s playoff aspirations as the second seed. The team‘s performance without her highlights the importance of key players stepping up during this period.

Key Player Prop Bet: Sabrina Ionescu’s Rebounding Opportunity

With Stewart out, Sabrina Ionescu is positioned to take on an increased role, particularly in rebounding. Currently averaging 4.9 rebounds per game this season, Ionescu has shown marked improvement since the All-Star break, averaging 5.9 boards over a recent 10-game stretch. In eight of those games, she has secured at least five rebounds.

The Los Angeles Sparks rank seventh overall in rebounding percentage and tenth in home rebounding, suggesting Ionescu’s ability to exceed 4.5 rebounds (-114 odds via FanDuel Sportsbook) could be a strong prop bet choice. With additional minutes and responsibility, she is expected to fill the void left by Stewart in the frontcourt.

Impact on Team Strategy and Next Steps

Stewart’s absence shifts the Liberty’s game plan, requiring other players like Ionescu to contribute beyond their usual roles. This dynamic adjustment will be a critical factor in the team’s ability to maintain their strong standing as the playoffs approach. Fans and bettors should monitor Stewart’s injury status closely for updates on her availability.

This situation opens opportunities for emerging players to demonstrate their skills while maintaining New York’s competitive edge against the Sparks and other contenders.