Allisha Gray Expected to Play in Game 1 of WNBA Finals

Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, October 17, 2026 —

Atlanta Dream forward Allisha Gray is expected to play in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, with coach Karl Smesko indicating optimism about her return from a finger injury.

Smesko’s comments suggested Gray would be available without restrictions for the opening game. The update offers a positive indication of her status, though the information provided does not include further details about the injury or when it occurred.

Gray’s expected availability concerns the first game of the series. No additional information was provided about her status for later games, and the report does not specify whether she has already returned to practice or participated in other team activities.

The details available do not identify which finger was injured, describe the nature or severity of the injury, or explain what treatment she received. The timing and location of Game 1 were also not provided. Smesko’s comments, as summarized, indicate that Gray is expected to play and that he was optimistic about her being unrestricted; they do not provide a separate medical assessment.

For now, the reported update centers on Gray’s anticipated role in the Finals opener. Further specifics about her injury and availability beyond Game 1 were not included in the information provided.

Story summarized from the original created by By JANIE McCAULEY, Associated Press on www.local10.com, see more information here.