In December, Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner returned to the United States after spending nearly 10 months wrongfully detained in a Russian prison. Now, she is one step closer to returning to a WNBA floor.
Not long after returning stateside, Griner announced her intentions to play for the Mercury during the 2023 WNBA season. As opening night nears, Griner has rejoined her teammates in training camp in preparation for the regular season.
Before the regular season gets underway, though, Phoenix will get started with a trip to Seattle to face the Storm in the first of two games on its preseason schedule.
Will she be playing in the Mercury's 2023 preseason opener? Here is what we know about Griner's status for Monday's meeting with the Storm.
MORE: Brittney Griner emotional in first press conference since release from Russian detainment
Is Brittney Griner playing tonight?
An injury report has not been released for Monday's game, but Griner has been a full participant throughout Mercury training camp, clearing a path for her to make her return to the floor in Phoenix's preseason opener.
It’s one thing to be back on the court, it’s another thing to be back at home.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) April 24, 2023
Be back with BG at Footprint Center on May 21st 🧡 pic.twitter.com/UTTYGHDJM5
Check back for more updates regarding Griner's status as they are made available.
When did Brittney Griner last play in the WNBA?
It's been nearly 20 months since Griner last played in a WNBA game. She last appeared in the 2021 season when she led the Mercury to the WNBA Finals.
Griner averaged 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, earning her seventh All-Star appearance.
The 32-year-old Griner is entering what will be her
What time is Mercury vs. Storm?
- Date: Monday, May 8
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
Monday's preseason game between the Mercury and Storm from Climate Pledge Arena is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET on Monday, May 8, which is 7 p.m. local time in Seattle.
Is Mercury vs. Storm on TV?
The preseason game between the Mercury and Storm will not be broadcast on television.
Mercury schedule 2023
After two preseason tune-ups, the Mercury open the 2023 regular season on Friday, May 19. This season, WNBA teams will be playing in a record 40 regular-season games.
Here is Phoenix's preseason schedule as well as its first five games of the 2023 season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| May 8 | at Storm (Preseason) | 10 p.m. | — |
| May 12 | vs. Sparks (Preseason) | 10 p.m. | — |
| May 19 | at Sparks | 11 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 21 | vs. Sky | 4 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 25 | vs. Lynx | 10 p.m. | — |
| June 2 | vs. Sparks | 10 p.m. | — |
| June 7 | at Wings | 8 p.m. | — |
