The injury bug has bitten the Phoenix Mercury throughout the 2024 WNBA season. Star center Brittney Griner is the latest to face another potential setback.
Phoenix entered Friday's meeting already down four players before Griner exited early with an apparent lower-body injury. She was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
What is Griner's injury and what does it mean for her, the Mercury and Team USA moving forward? Here's the latest.
MORE: Latest news, updates on Diana Taurasi's injuries and Olympics status
What is Brittney Griner's injury?
Griner is dealing with a right hip injury, per the Mercury.
The injury occurred when Griner collided with teammate Kahleah Copper. It appeared as though Griner was going to stay in the game, but she was benched and would not return.
Before exiting the game, Griner saw 11 minutes of action, scoring four points and blocking two shots.
MORE: Brittney Griner named to Team USA's 12-player roster for Paris
How long will Brittney Griner be out?
The time Griner misses will depend on the distinction and severity of her injury.
If the decision to hold Griner out was purely out of precaution, expect her to return to the lineup soon. Griner is also a member of the United States 12-player roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the injury comes just eight days before Team USA faces Team WNBA in the All-Star Game.
Phoenix has two more games before hosting WNBA All-Star festivities.
Phoenix Mercury schedule 2024
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| July 14 | at Connecticut Sun | 1 p.m. | ABC |
| July 16 | at Washington Mystics | 11:30 a.m. | — |
Team USA women's basketball schedule
Exhibition games
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| July 20 | vs. Team WNBA | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| July 23 | vs. Germany | 3 p.m. | FS1 |
Olympics schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| July 29 | vs Japan | 3 p.m | NBC |
| Aug. 1 | vs. Belgium | 3 p.m. | NBC |
| Aug. 4 | vs. Germany | 11:15 a.m. | NBC |