New York Liberty's Natasha Howard out 4-6 weeks with MCL sprain

New York Liberty forward/center Natasha Howard will miss four to six weeks after suffering a sprained MCL in her left knee, the team said Wednesday.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Monday's 88-81 victory over the Dallas Wings.

Howard is averaging 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds but has played in just two WNBA games this season, joining the Liberty after completing her overseas playing commitment in Italy. In her debut Sunday, Howard had 12 points and seven rebounds in a 93-85 win over the Chicago Sky.

Howard started 89 of 90 games the past three seasons with the Seattle Storm, winning WNBA titles in 2018 and 2020. She was traded to New York in February as part of a three-team deal that included Dallas obtaining the No. 1 overall pick in April's WNBA draft. A 2019 WNBA All-Star and the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Howard also was a reserve on the Minnesota Lynx's 2017 WNBA championship team.