Tip‑off: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Barclays Center — Brooklyn, New York
Broadcast: ESPN / WNBA League Pass
INJURY REPORT (Projected)
Based on 2025 season‑end statuses; official 2026 injury sheets not yet released.
Connecticut Sun
Alyssa Thomas — Probable No reported offseason issues.
Brionna Jones — Probable Fully healthy entering 2026.
DeWanna Bonner — Probable Expected to start the season available.
New York Liberty
Sabrina Ionescu — Probable Finished 2025 healthy.
Breanna Stewart — Probable No known offseason setbacks.
Jonquel Jones — Probable Expected to be fully available.
TEAM RECORDS & CONTEXT (Entering 2026)
Connecticut Sun (2025: 27‑13, 3rd in WNBA)
Elite defensive identity
Physical, half‑court oriented
Strong continuity entering 2026
New York Liberty (2025: 30‑10, 2nd in WNBA)
Top‑tier offense with elite spacing
MVP‑level star power
Deepest starting five in the league
RECENT TEAM FORM (End of 2025 Season)
Connecticut Sun
Last 5 (2025): W W L W L
Strengths: Defense, rebounding, tempo control
Weaknesses: Perimeter scoring consistency
New York Liberty
Last 5 (2025): W W W L W
Strengths: Three‑point volume, ball movement, star shot‑making
Weaknesses: Physical frontcourts can disrupt rhythm
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Alyssa Thomas (CT) vs. Breanna Stewart (NYL)
Thomas: point‑forward engine, physicality, elite rebounding
Stewart: elite scorer, length, rim protection Edge: Liberty — Stewart’s shot creation is the separator
2. Brionna Jones (CT) vs. Jonquel Jones (NYL)
Brionna: interior scoring, offensive boards
Jonquel: stretch‑5 skillset, rim protection Edge: Liberty — versatility and spacing advantage
3. Tyasha Harris (CT) vs. Sabrina Ionescu (NYL)
Harris: steady facilitator, low‑mistake guard
Ionescu: elite shooter, high‑usage creator Edge: Liberty — Ionescu’s gravity warps defenses
4. DeWanna Bonner (CT) vs. Betnijah Laney‑Hamilton (NYL)
Bonner: length, veteran scoring
Laney: physicality, slashing, on‑ball defense Edge: Even — stylistic contrast
SERIES HISTORY
2025 Season Series: Liberty won 3–1
Last 10 Meetings: Liberty lead 7–3
At Barclays Center: Liberty have won 4 of last 5
Playoff Context: Liberty eliminated Connecticut in 2023; rivalry remains heated
BETTING TRENDS (2025 Data)
Connecticut Sun
Road ATS: 9‑9
Under: Hit in 58% of games
Strong vs. elite offenses: Held 19 opponents under 80
New York Liberty
Home ATS: 11‑7
Over: Hit in 55% of home games
Elite vs. non‑elite defenses: Averaged 90.1 PPG
GAME ODDS
Connecticut Sun 160
New York Liberty – 14.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 7, 2026
