The 2026 WNBA season resumes on Thursday evening following the FIBA World Cup break, and the Phoenix Mercury visit the Portland Fire. All-Star guard Kahleah Copper was dealing with an ankle issue prior to the break, and she popped up on the Mercury’s injury report as questionable. Here’s everything we know about Kahleah Copper’s injury and her playing status against the Fire.

Kahleah Copper’s injury status vs. Fire

With Kahleah Copper being listed as questionable on the Mercury’s injury report, it’s likely that a final update on her playing status will not be announced until right before the game. Copper is listed as dealing with a groin injury, something different than the ankle injury that caused her to miss the team’s last game right before the break.

The Mercury have already been eliminated from playoff contention, as has the Fire, but both teams still have pride to play for. Copper in particular is coming off an appearance with Team USA amid their gold medal run. She tallied 15 points, one rebound and one assist in the clinching win against France.

She’s appeared in 38 of 40 games this season for the Mercury, at a little over 32 minutes per game. She’s been averaging a career-best 21.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists with splits of 44.5 percent shooting from the field, 29.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 78.8 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

When it comes to the question on if Kahleah Copper is playing tonight, the answer is a wait-and-see approach.

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Mercury injury report

-Kahleah Copper questionable (right groin)
-Kelsey Plum out (left lower leg)

Fire injury report

-Bridget Carleton out (left ankle)
-Megan DiLeo out (right finger dislocation)
-Sania Fegain out (left knee)
-Carla Leite out (rest)
-Teja Oblak out (left knee)