Portland Fire could be missing key contributors against Dream

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The Portland Fire have been one of the WNBA's early surprises. Now they may have to keep their momentum going while shorthanded. Portland enters Friday night's matchup against the Atlanta Dream with a strong 5-3 record and victories in five of its last seven games. However, the Fire's injury report has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines heading into the contest.

Three Portland players are listed as questionable, including veteran forward Bridget Carleton and rookie guard Sarah Ashlee Barker. With Atlanta bringing one of the league's most talented rosters into Portland, the Fire may need all the help they can get.

Bridget Carleton's status worth watching​

Carleton has quietly become one of Portland's most reliable players this season. The veteran forward is coming off another productive performance Wednesday night against the Connecticut Sun, finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists in a victory.

Now her availability is uncertain. The Fire have listed Carleton as questionable with a back injury, putting her streak of appearances this season in jeopardy. If she is unable to play, Portland would lose one of its most experienced two-way players and a key contributor on both ends of the floor.

For a team still building chemistry in its inaugural season, that's a significant concern.

Sarah Ashlee Barker also dealing with injury​

Carleton isn't the only player Portland is monitoring. Barker is also listed as questionable because of a right foot injury. The rookie has provided valuable depth for the Fire throughout the early part of the season and has yet to miss a game. Her status remains uncertain heading into Friday night's matchup.

Meanwhile, veteran guard Teja Oblak is also questionable due to a right quad injury. With Friday's game serving as the first half of a back-to-back, Portland could choose to be cautious with any player dealing with lingering issues.

Atlanta enters nearly healthy​

The Dream's injury report is considerably shorter. Atlanta has ruled out only one player, veteran center Brionna Jones. Jones continues to recover from right knee surgery that she underwent in February and remains without a firm timetable for her return.

Even without Jones, Atlanta enters the game with a 4-2 record and plenty of firepower. All-Star guard Allisha Gray continues to lead the way after scoring 21 points in the Dream's most recent game against the Minnesota Lynx.

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Another big test for Portland​

The Fire continue to exceed expectations during their inaugural campaign. Wednesday's win over Connecticut improved Portland to 5-3 and strengthened the belief that the expansion franchise can compete with established contenders.

Guard Carla Leite led the way against the Sun with 20 points, while Carleton's all-around production helped secure another important victory. Now Portland faces another measuring-stick game against Atlanta.

Whether the Fire have Carleton, Barker and Oblak available could go a long way toward determining whether their winning momentum continues. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on ION.

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