Toronto Tempo rookie Kiki Rice is expected to be out for a few weeks with a lower-body injury.
The 22-year-old suffered the injury during the Tempo’s Thursday night game against the New York Liberty. Late in the fourth quarter, Rice landed awkwardly while driving to the basket. She went down in visible pain, clutching her left ankle, and remained on the floor until play was stopped.
Rice was able to get up under her own power but ultimately needed assistance as she headed to the locker room. She was later seen on crutches, with imaging reportedly revealing a Grade 2 ankle sprain.
After further evaluation by the medical staff, head coach Sandy Brondello struck a pessimistic tone on Sunday afternoon, saying she expects Rice to be out for a few weeks.
“She’ll need a little bit of time off … Hopefully we can get her back in a few weeks.”
The Tempo drafted Kiki Rice with the sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, and she has quickly emerged as one of the team’s top offensive prospects. She has started seven of Toronto’s first 10 games this season and has averaged 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
Options for the Tempo Without Kiki Rice
It’s a tough blow for the Tempo to be without Kiki Rice, who was just beginning to find her rhythm at the professional level. With Rice sidelined and another guard already out for a while the Tempo will likely look to elevate either Julie Allemand or Tima Pouye into a larger role.
Allemand has appeared in five games this season and is averaging 4.6 points per game, while Pouye has played in two games and is averaging 2.0 points per contest.
That said, Pouye’s chances of receiving significant minutes alongside the team’s other available options are likely slim. Regardless, Rice’s absence is a major setback for the Tempo, especially if she ends up missing more time than initially expected.
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