Why Marina Mabrey injury update actually is good news for the Tempo

Why Marina Mabrey injury update actually is good news for the Tempo originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Marina Mabrey’s breakout 2026 campaign with the Toronto Tempo is over.

Mabrey on Wednesday was ruled out for the final four games of the season due to an adductor injury.

But this might be good news for both Mabrey and the Tempo.

MORE: WNBA’s return exposes major scheduling problem after World Cup

It’s no secret that, after a bright start, the Tempo has been the WNBA’s worst team since the end of June.

Tempo announce Marina Mabrey will miss the rest of the season with an adductor injury.

No surgery required and expected to make a full recovery but she’s out for the final four games. pic.twitter.com/4gyaAOqARt

— Zulfi Sheikh (@zulfi_sheikh) September 16, 2026

Since a 9-9 start, the expansion Tempo has lost 20 of its past 22 games entering Friday night’s home game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

That stretch included a brutal 12-game losing streak that culminated in Toronto’s elimination from playoff contention last month, before the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup break.

It’s also no secret that the Tempo has a legitimate shot to pick first overall in the loaded 2027 WNBA Draft, which could see Toronto select a blue-chip prospect to put next to Mabrey and Brittney Sykes in the backcourt.

The Tempo’s 24 percent odds to land the top pick as of Wednesday are second only to the Connecticut Sun. Not having Mabrey for the last four games could well enhance those odds.

And about Mabrey herself, there should be no doubt that — even as her season comes to a premature end — that she is a building block in Toronto.

Mabrey has a legitimate case for Most Improved Player as she averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game and merited selection to her first All-Star team, in her eighth WNBA season. Her 3.3 made three-point field goals per game are tied for the most in the league.

Mabrey will not need surgery on the adductor injury, which means she should be in great physical condition ahead of 2027, when the Tempo will look to take another step toward contention.

More WNBA news:

• Caitlin Clark returned from the FIBA World Cup with gifts for her Fever teammates

• Aces’ A’ja Wilson reveals what really stopped her from competing in the FIBA World Cup

• Sophie Cunningham calls out Caitlin Clark critics with blunt WNBA message

• FIBA has a playful request for Paige Bueckers after Team USA’s gold-medal celebration