As the Chicago Sky faces off against the Las Vegas Aces tonight, the two teams couldn’t be in more different places mentally. For Angel Reese and the Sky, this game is a critical battle to keep their playoff dreams alive and they need a strong performance to push forward in the postseason race. Meanwhile, the Aces, already secure in the final eight, will approach the game with a more relaxed demeanor.
A few weeks ago, the Chicago Sky looked like a lock for the WNBA postseason. However, a rough patch with six consecutive losses has thrown their playoff plans into jeopardy. Now, the Atlanta Dream have closed in on that crucial eighth and final playoff spot, making tonight’s game even more pivotal for the Sky. Can Angel Reese and her squad find a way to overcome A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces in their final regular-season clash?
Can Chicago Sky overpower Las Vegas Aces this time?
It’s been over ten days since these two teams clashed in Chicago, where the Las Vegas Aces narrowly edged out the Chicago Sky. The game ended with a tight 77-75 scoreline, thanks to A’ja Wilson’s clutch performance in the final moments.
However, since their last matchup, the dynamics have shifted. The Chicago Sky has hit a rough patch, suffering six straight losses. In contrast, the Las Vegas Aces have been on a roll, winning their last two games and securing a playoff spot. With a home-court advantage and an 8-2 record in their last ten games against the Windy City, the Aces make the obvious favorites.
One other major factor that can’t be ignored is A’ja Wilson’s current dominance on the court. She’s been unstoppable, scoring over 40 points in two of her last three games. On the flip side, in the absence of their three leading scorers (Marina Mabrey included), Chicago Sky’s hopes hinge on rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. The former put up a career-high 22-point performance against the Minnesota Lynx and Reese, their double-double queen, has also been Sky’s second-leading scorer. But they’ll need a complete roster coordination.
Injury Report and Starting Line-up
The Chicago Sky is dealing with a significant challenge regarding their top scorer, Chennedy Carter. The guard has missed all three of Sky’s last games and is reported to sit out her 4th against the Aces due to COVID-19. On top of that, Elizabeth Williams won’t be available for the rest of the season, having been ruled out with a knee injury.
Despite the setbacks and a series of losses, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon has remained committed to the same lineup for the past three games, searching for that elusive winning formula. It looks like she’ll stick with this roster against the Aces: Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, Michaela Onyenwere, Lindsay Allen, and Rachel Banham.
The Las Vegas Aces are in a fortunate position with most of their roster available, though they will be missing Chelsea Gray due to an injury she sustained against the Mercury. With Gray sidelined, Becky Hammon might start Tiffany Hayes in her place. The anticipated lineup for the Aces could include A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Alysha Clark, and Tiffany Hayes.
The game tips off at 10:00 ET at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
The post Sky vs Aces: Will Angel Reese’s Playoff Hopes Be Crushed by A’ja Wilson and Co? Injury Report, Prediction and Starting 5 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
