Why is Angel Reese not playing for Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream today, July 16?

Chicago Sky face Atlanta Dream at Winstrut Arena, but Angel Reese has been ruled out for the match due to a leg injury. The Sky, currently 7-14 on the season, take the court without their star player in what is their final game before the All-Star break.

Reese’s absence has been described as precautionary by head coach Tyler Marsh. The decision allows the 22-year-old added recovery time ahead of the upcoming All-Star weekend, where she is scheduled to play for Team Collier. While the full extent of her injury has not been disclosed, there is no indication of long-term concern. 

Reese had started all 21 games for Chicago this season prior to Wednesday. In her absence, Marsh confirmed a new starting lineup, with Elizabeth Williams replacing Reese and Moriah Jefferson filling in for Ariel Atkins, who is also out with a leg injury. 

Atkins, who exited Monday’s game against the Minnesota Lynx and did not return, is listed as day-to-day. Like Reese, she will benefit from the upcoming break and could return for Chicago’s next matchup on July 22, a fourth meeting with Minnesota this season.

Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky shoots a free-throw during the first quarter against the Minnesota Lynx (Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

With two key players sidelined, this marks the Sky’s eighth different starting lineup configuration in the 2025 WNBA campaign. The team sits in 11th place in the standings, three games out of playoff position.

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Candace Parker ranks three WNBA players above Caitlin Clark, puts Angel Reese in ‘C’ tier

Angel Reese’s season by the numbers

Angel Reese continues to put together a standout sophomore season. She is averaging 14.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Her rebounding average leads the WNBA for the second straight year.

Reese’s 22-point, 10-rebound performance on Monday marked her ninth consecutive double-double and 15th of the season. The two-time All-Star has played a pivotal role in Chicago’s offense and will return to action after the break, assuming she remains healthy.