The Chicago Sky host the Washington Mystics at Wintrust Arena with the hopes of ending an eight-game losing streak, which has them almost completely out of the playoff picture. The prospects for today don’t seem too good, as they will be once again without star forward Angel Reese.
According to Chicago Sky’s injury report (via Windsir), Reese is out for tonight’s game due to her back injury. It will be her second consecutive match out, after a brief return to action against the Mystics on July 29.
During that match, she posted 22 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists, despite feeling discomfort. “I just try to do whatever I can for the team. Like I said, it wasn’t great, the first game back from a two-game absence. So, it was rough for me,” she explained.
According to Polymarket Hoops, the Sky are 0-3 without the forward this season, and 1-9 all time. Last year, Reese had to miss the last stretch of her rookie season after breaking her wrist and undergoing surgery.
Reese tops the charts for Chicago in multiple categories, averaging 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. However, she is not the only key absence for the team. Guard Ariel Atkins is now questionable, but she could make her return, while Michaela Onyenwere (knee) and Hailey Van Lith (ankle) also remain questionable for tonight’s match.
The Chicago Sky are in serious trouble
Chicago’s grim situation grows more evident with every game. Now sitting at 7-20, the Sky have dropped eight of their last ten matchups and are currently ranked 12th in the league standings.
Their latest loss to the Valkyries on Friday only worsened their position, and according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, their odds of making the playoffs have dwindled to a mere 0.1%.
However, head coach Tyler Marsh doesn’t lose hope. “I think we got to continue to use the togetherness we have been,” Marsh said after the Valkyries game. “This season isn’t over by any stretch and that should be enough to put forth the work ethic and drive to be teammates.”
Whether Chicago can mount a comeback and fight for a playoff berth is still uncertain—but the road ahead is anything but smooth. After their most recent loss, the Sky have 16 games left on the schedule, starting from tonight’s clash.