The latest update
All eyes are on Atlanta Dream star Allisha Gray as the 2026 WNBA Finals tip off today. The guard was spotted participating in a full-court drill during Friday’s practice session, but her status for Game 1 at the Chase Center remains a toss-up. She is officially listed as "day-to-day" after suffering a hand injury during the semifinals.
Gray, who led the team with 19 points per game this season, said she is feeling better but is still waiting to see how her hand reacts to the contact. She had her pinky and ring fingers on her left hand taped together during practice. Dream coach Karl Smesko noted that the final decision will be made close to the 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off, leaving the team’s medical staff in the driver's seat.
The journey here
Gray sustained the injury during Game 1 of the semifinals against the New York Liberty while playing defense against Sabrina Ionescu. She briefly returned to that game but eventually aggravated the injury, forcing her to miss the rest of the series. Despite being down their star, the Dream pulled off a massive sweep to reach their first Finals since 2013.
Why it matters
Real talk: this is a huge moment for the Dream. Without Gray, the offense has a tough hill to climb against a Valkyries squad boasting the best defense in the league—a team that just swept the Aces. Having an All-WNBA-caliber player back on the floor would be a major W for Atlanta’s chances at their first-ever franchise championship. Even if she isn't 100%, her presence is a total game-changer.
