Connecticut Sun vs Seattle Storm: Injury Report, Starting-5, Prediction, and More On WNBA Preview

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The Connecticut Sun and the Seattle Storm have already locked horns three times this season, and unsurprisingly, Seattle holds a 2–1 edge. For Connecticut, though, tonight isn’t just another game. For them, it’s a shot to even the season series and make a statement. Moreover, the stakes climb even higher for two Sun starters with personal ties to the Storm. Bria Hartley, who was originally drafted by Seattle seventh overall in 2014 before being flipped to Washington on draft night, gets another crack at the franchise that once claimed her. Meanwhile, Tina Charles, who had a short but telling stint with the Storm in 2022, should look to use her insider’s grasp of Seattle’s system to tilt the scales.

Seattle is entering Connecticut’s home court as the obvious favorites. However, the Sun has more at stake than the Storm can wither. Let’s break the Connecticut Sun vs Seattle Storm down-

Where to Watch the Exciting: Connecticut Sun vs Seattle Storm?

Date: Monday, 28th July
Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00 pm PT
Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut

For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, or NBA TV, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). For viewers who are willing to opt for streaming services, you can watch it using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, and YouTube TV.

The Injury Report

Both squads are rolling in nearly full strength. The Sun has a spotless injury sheet, and the Storm is missing only a long-term absentee. This leaves Rachid Meziane and Noelle Quinn with little to stress over heading into tonight’s clash.

Connecticut Sun:

Healthy roster: No reported injuries

Seattle Storm:

Katie Lou Samuelson: Out

Samuelson, who joined the Storm this offseason, is recovering from a torn ACL that she experienced in a team practice early in May. Due to that, she’s expected to miss the whole 2025 season. Apart from this, the whole Storm roster stands intact.

Predicted Starting Lineup

Expect the same women to suit up as their last matchups vs the Valkyries and the Mystics, respectively:

Connecticut Sun:

Aneesah Morrow: 15.6 MIN, 7.1 PTS, 0.5 AST, 0.4 BLK, 0.7 STL
Tina Charles: 28.5 MIN, 16.3 PTS, 1.7 AST, 0.4 BLK, 0.8 STL
Bria Hartley: 22.6 MIN, 9.4 PTS, 3.0 AST, 0.0 BLK, 0.9 STL
Marina Mabrey: 30.5 MIN, 14.7 PTS, 4.0 AST, 0.5 BLK, 0.7 STL
Saniya Rivers: 27 MIN, 8 PTS, 2.9 AST, 1.0 BLK, 1.6 STL

Seattle Storm:

Nneka Ogwumike: 30.7 MIN, 17.1 PTS, 2.2 AST, 0.6 BLK, 1.2 STL
Gabby Williams: 32.8 MIN, 12.7 PTS, 4.5 AST, 0.5 BLK, 2.5 STL
Ezi Magbegor: 27.6 MIN, 8.3 PTS, 2.2 AST, 2.1 BLK, 0.7 STL
Skylar Diggins: 31.9 MIN, 17.2 PTS, 5.6 AST, 0.8 BLK, 1.1 STL
Erica Wheeler: 27.3 MIN, 11.0 PTS, 3.7 AST, 0.2 BLK, 1.2 STL

How the Things Might Go Down for Connecticut Sun vs Seattle Storm:

ESPN Analytics gives Seattle a strong 73.6% chance to win, and both the stats and the momentum support that. Sure, the Storm (15-11) just tripped up against Washington in a 69–58 loss, but they’ve got serious balance. They have five explosive starters putting up double-digit scoring. That group is led by Skylar Diggins (17.2 PPG, 5.6 APG) running the show and Nneka Ogwumike (17.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG) holding down the paint. They average a basic 79.9 points per game while giving up just 77.3. That’s just enough to tough out wins.

Jun 22, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams (5) celebrates during the second half against the New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

On the other side, Connecticut is barely keeping its head above water. The Sun (4-20) is now the league’s worst, both conferences combined. And they have famously dropped 8 of their last 10. Tina Charles is balling out (16.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, including a 24-point explosion last game), and Marina Mabrey (14.6 PPG) adds backcourt fire, but the rest of the roster is young, shaky, and all over the place.

Seattle’s experience and defense should let them dictate the pace, while Connecticut needs another monster night from Charles just to stay in it. If the Sun can cut down on turnovers (they cough it up 13.8 times a game) and slow things down, they might have a slim shot. However, with Seattle’s depth, they are the obvious pick to walk away with the win.

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