Sparks Players Ruled Out Against Aces
Los Angeles Sparks stars Cameron Brink and Dearica Hamby missed the team's matchup against the Las Vegas Aces.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
The Los Angeles Sparks faced the Las Vegas Aces without key contributors Cameron Brink, Dearica Hamby, and Aaliyah Nye. The team placed all three players on the injury report ahead of the contest.
Why it matters
The absences of Brink and Hamby significantly impacted the Sparks roster, as the team struggles with injuries while finishing the final portion of their season schedule.
Forward Emma Cannon stepped into the starting lineup and recorded 10 points in 13 minutes of play. The Sparks have only two games left on their 2026 schedule.
The players
Cameron Brink
Cameron Brink is a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks who is currently managing an ankle injury.
Dearica Hamby
Dearica Hamby is a veteran forward for the Los Angeles Sparks dealing with a knee issue.
Emma Cannon
Emma Cannon is a forward who has provided depth for the Sparks during the current injury crisis.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces are a professional basketball team competing in the WNBA.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles.
The details
Emma Cannon started at forward to fill gaps in the rotation caused by the missing starters. The team continues to navigate injuries, including a knee issue for Hamby and an ankle injury sustained by Brink in June.
Timeline
Cameron Brink sustained an ankle injury in June 2026.
Dearica Hamby missed her first game of the season on September 20, 2026.
The Sparks played the Las Vegas Aces on September 22, 2026.
The team is scheduled to play the Golden State Valkyries on September 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The late-season injury report reflects the physical toll of the 2026 schedule on the Sparks roster. These absences shift the competitive balance as the team prepares for their final matchups.
Emma Cannon will likely maintain an increased role in the rotation if the current starters remain unavailable. Fans should monitor the next injury report to see if Ariel Atkins, who is currently listed as probable due to illness, is cleared for the final two games.
The takeaway
Managing player health in the final games of the season is a common challenge for teams navigating late-year injuries. Depth players like Cannon are essential for maintaining competitiveness when primary starters are sidelined.
What happens next
The Sparks are scheduled to face the Golden State Valkyries on September 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the team's rotation, visit the Los Angeles Basketball page.
