Sabrina Ionescu ruled out with back soreness for Liberty-Fever matchup

Guard Sabrina Ionescu will miss the New York Liberty’s game against the Indiana Fever after a persistent back soreness forced her out for a fourth straight game. The 20‑year‑old has played only once this season, having missed the first five contests with a preseason ankle injury and then sitting out after her debut on March 24 when the back pain flared.

Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco said Ionescu is “progressing” and hopes to have her back on the road trip, but the soreness remained on Saturday. Rookie guard Pauline Astier will fill the gap, having averaged 11.8 points and 3.7 assists this season.

The injury adds to a series of absences that have limited the Liberty’s roster, with the team fielding all 14 players in practice for the first time this year.