Allisha Gray Expected to Play in WNBA Finals Opener, Coach Says

Harlingen Weslaco Brownsville McAllen, TX, October 17, 2026 —

Atlanta Dream forward Allisha Gray is expected to play in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, according to coach Karl Smesko.

The available information identifies Gray’s expected availability and the matchup, but does not provide further details about her status. No specific reason for uncertainty about her availability was given, and the information does not say whether she has been dealing with an injury or another issue.

The statement is attributed to Smesko, but no verbatim quotation was provided. The timing of his comments, the date and venue of Game 1, and any additional details about Gray’s preparation or participation were also not included. Accordingly, the report establishes that the coach expects her to play, but does not provide a separate confirmation of her status from Gray or the team.

Game 1 will bring the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries together in the WNBA Finals. The supplied information does not include other details about the series, either team’s roster or the circumstances leading into the opener. Gray’s expected availability is the only player-status update identified in the report.

Her status may be clarified by further team comments or updates closer to the game, but no additional update was included in the information available. For now, the reported expectation from Smesko is that Gray will be available for the Finals opener; the exact scope of her participation has not been specified.

Story summarized from the original created by JANIE McCAULEY, Associated Press on www.valleycentral.com, see more information here.

Media gallery