Take a Break, Alana.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what she needs to do. According to Katie Carrera of the Washington Post,

"Beard said yesterday that she expects to miss Washington's first two regular season games because of a strained hamstring suffered three weeks ago while playing in Poland. She hopes to return for the team's home opener May 25 against Houston."

So, for the second year in a row, the Mystics will open the season without their All-Star performer. Unfortunately, that's not the way AB, the Mystics, or their fans wanted to start things off this year . . .

Despite her latest injury, Alana told USA Today that she's still hoping to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team competing in Beijing this summer.

Also today, Alana, along with teammates Nakia Sanford and Mo Currie, went "3 on 1" with Slam Online's Stephen Litel.

Photo Credit: DC BasketCases