Allisha Gray Hopeful for WNBA Finals Game 1 Return

Gray pushes to play in Game 1

Atlanta Dream forward Allisha Gray is aiming to return for Saturday's Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries. The four time All Star is working her way back from a left ring finger injury suffered in Game 1 of the semifinal round against the New York Liberty.

Gray is officially listed as day to day with a hand injury, though she lightheartedly called it a hurt finger. She recently underwent a minor surgical procedure that was required to give her a chance to play in the Finals. The medical staff will make the final decision on her availability.

Gray noted that her progress has been great. She explained after Thursday's practice that as long as she can shoot she is good, and she hopes to get good news about playing on Saturday.

Practice updates and team plans

Gray was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Her left ring and pinkie finger were taped together during the workout, and she wore a bulkier brace afterward. However, she did not appear to have issues with pain while shooting during the open media session.

The forward originally tried to play through the injury in Game 1 against the Liberty before sitting out the rest of that series. She said her competitive nature made her want to stay on the floor, but she realized she could not help her team anymore at that point.

Head coach Karl Smesko said the Dream have prepared two separate game plans, one with Gray available and one without. DeWanna Bonner is the player most affected if Gray is out. Smesko noted that Gray is trending in the right direction, and every additional day of recovery helps. Gray has averaged 17 points and 2 steals in three postseason games in 2026.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Sat, 17 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 53%, Atlanta Dream win 47%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 78, Atlanta Dream 77. Our safest pick: Dream +9.5.

Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Tue, 20 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 48%, Atlanta Dream win 52%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 78, Atlanta Dream 78. Our safest pick: Valkyries +7.5.