Rhyne Howard will probably miss the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game after suffering a left knee injury during the Atlanta Dream’s 99–82 loss to the Indiana Fever last Friday. The Dream confirmed Monday that Howard suffered a left knee injury, and she is expected to be sidelined through at least the end of July.
The injury occurred during the first half of Friday’s game, where Howard left briefly but returned to play 14 more minutes in the second half. The Dream said Howard is expected to make a full recovery and that updates will be provided once more is known about the injury’s severity.
Howard had been selected to play in her third WNBA All-Star Game, earning a spot on the roster after being picked by captain Napheesa Collier during last week’s draft. The 25-year-old guard was set to face off against Team Clark, led by Fever star Caitlin Clark. Now, the league will need to name a replacement before Saturday’s game.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is expected to select a fill-in for Howard. Though no decision has been announced, several names are under consideration. Brionna Jones, Howard’s teammate on the Dream, could be a candidate. However, Jones plays the forward position, while Howard is a guard. If the league prefers to maintain positional balance, Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes could also be in the mix.
Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream (Getty Images)
Howard’s return to the All-Star roster this season marked a bounce back after missing the event last year. She has averaged 16.5 points, along with a career-low 34.9% shooting from the field. Despite the dip in efficiency, she’s on pace for personal bests in rebounds and assists.
see also
Caitlin Clark repeats who’s the NBA GOAT without hesitation
WNBA All-Star match set for Saturday
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will take place Saturday night, with Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier leading their respective squads. The team selection was held last week, with head coaches Cheryl Reeve of the Lynx and Sandy Brondello of the Liberty named to lead the teams.
Howard’s absence will be felt, especially for Team Collier, which now awaits confirmation of who will fill the open roster spot. The game remains a high-profile moment in the WNBA calendar, with the league’s most popular and high-performing players converging on one court.
The Dream, meanwhile, will continue to manage without Howard as they head into the second half of the season. Her return timetable will depend on further evaluations and how her recovery progresses over the coming weeks.
