Shakira Austin returns from a week-long absence for Wednesday’s match-up between the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever. Aaliayh Edwards, in the meantime, performs in a second consecutive recreation after lacking preseason and the primary 4 video games of the common season with a decrease again contusion.
Austin, a 6’5 ahead who was drafted third total in 2022, was one of many Mystics’ greatest gamers when wholesome final season, however has been injury-riddled up to now this season.
She made her season debut in a win over the Connecticut Solar on Could 18th, tallying 4 factors and three rebounds in 7 minutes. Then, she was sidelined after a 10-minute stint on Could twenty first in opposition to the Golden State Valkyries.
Austin averaged 11.8 factors and 6.8 rebounds per recreation final season, however has been restricted up to now this yr.
Edwards, in the meantime, suffered a low again contusion and coaching camp however made her season debut on Could twenty fifth in opposition to the Phoenix Mercury, tallying 6 factors and seven rebounds in quarter-hour. Edwards averaged 7.6 factors and 5.6 rebounds per recreation in her rookie season final yr after being drafted sixth total.
With out Aaliyah Edwards and Shakira Austin, the Mystics’ rookies have led the best way
The Mystics are 2-3 up to now this season, however have largely been with out two of their prime forwards in Edwards and Austin.
By 5 video games, they’ve been led by Brittney Sykes (22.2 factors, 5 assists per recreation), Sonia Citron (15.4 factors, 2.6 assists), Kiki Iriafen (13.8 factors, 11.2 rebounds), and Jade Melbourne (10.8 factors, 4 rebounds). Citron and Iriafen, their two first-round picks, have each emerged as early candidates for Rookie of the Yr.