Kiki Rice, the sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, has been sidelined with an ankle injury since June 3. The UCLA product had been having a strong rookie campaign prior to the injury as she averaged 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 10 games played. Below, we will dish out an injury update on Rice and look at potential return dates for the young Toronto Tempo star.
Kiki Rice Injury Update: When Will Tempo Rookie Return?
Rice was injured in a June 3 game against the New York Liberty as she landed awkwardly on her left ankle after driving to the basket. She immediately grabbed her leg and then walked gingerly toward the Tempo bench.
The Tempo later announced that Rice had suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain. A Grade 3 ankle sprain is no joke as it means you have a complete tear in one or more ankle ligaments.
Recovery from a Grade 3 ankle sprain can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months.
The Tempo have said that Rice will return this season, but if Toronto finds itself outside of the playoff picture come late August or early September it may opt to shut down its prized rookie for the season.
The top 8 teams in the WNBA regular season make the playoffs. Toronto is currently a fringe playoff team as it owns an 8-8 record in its inaugural season.
The best case scenario is that Rice returns in early August, but it’s more likely that Rice and the team proceed with caution. If Rice does return this season, a return right after the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup break (August 31 - September 16) would make sense.
Here is a look at the Tempo schedule right after the end of the break.
- Friday, Sept. 18: Fever at Tempo
- Sunday, Sept. 20: Liberty at Tempo
- Tuesday, September 22: Tempo at Sky
- Thursday, September 24: Tempo at Sun
Toronto Tempo odds
The Tempo began the season with +20000 odds to win the WNBA title. Only the Seattle Storm (+25000) and Portland Fire (+40000) had longer odds.
Toronto is currently +30000 at Fanatics Sportsbook to win it all.
At the start of the season, Rice was +1300 at Fanatics Sportsbook to win WNBA Rookie of the Year. Olivia Miles was the favorite at the time, at +260. Miles is currently a big favorite to win the award at Fanatics as she has -2000 odds to win.
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