For the third time this season, two Eastern Conference teams will collide on Wednesday. With a staggering 8-22 record and 10th overall position, the Washington Mystics will travel to Wintrust Arena in Chicago to take on the Chicago Sky, who are currently 8th with an 11-18 record. While the Sky seem ahead in the standings, both teams are rather closely matched.

Washington is coming off a win, whereas the Sky recently lost at home to the Las Vegas Aces, a third consecutive from them. Moreover, the two teams have played each other twice before in Washington, splitting the wins, with both teams emerging victorious once. So, today’s game will serve as the tiebreaker. However, will the struggling Sky be missing out on one of their key players, risking a disadvantage?

Angel Reese’s a vital contender for Sky’s defense

Chicago Sky forward Reese has made the most of her first 29 games in the WNBA this season. Ever since being drafted, she has been on a journey to become a rebounding force. In the last game versus the Las Vegas Aces, she recorded 22 rebounds despite an upsetting 77-75 loss, extending her record as the first in league history to record consecutive 20+ rebound performances.

Overall, it marked the third instance this season when the Sky rookie hit over 20 rebounds in a game. Sure enough, she’ll be looking to add another double-double to her existing 23 tally soon. She will most likely be doing so in Wednesday’s game, considering she is active according to ESPN. This also means she’ll be helping the Sky fight for a playoff spot.

As of now, the Sky has lost four of their last five games since the Olympics break. Though Reese’s ‘active’ status is a good sign, the team’s recently cancelled practice session isn’t helping much.

Sky will face Mystics with key players out

A wave of concern began for the Sky when the team’s practice session was abruptly canceled on Tuesday morning. According to Sky’s general manager, Jeff Pagliocca, the reason behind the last-minute cancellation was that multiple players on the team felt sick. In response, players were spotted wearing masks at the Sachs Recreation Center.

“We’re testing for COVID-19 and speaking with our doctors to hear what they would suggest progression-wise,” Pagliocca told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Among those reported out for now is Chennedy Carter. “Sky IR: Chennedy Carter OUT, health and safety protocols,” reads a statement by a Sun-Times reporter. Well, Carter is the leading scorer for the Sky, and her being out would surely impact the game.

The No.4 overall draft pick in 2020 averages 17.2 points this season. Since Carter’s out, naturally, the Sky’s probability to score seems low. Reese averaging 13.5 Points, 12.9 rebounds, and Lindsay Allen, with 6.1 points and 3.6 assists, however, can work the other end.

Sky currently stand 6th with 81.6 points allowed per contest. On the other hand, they average 78.6 PPG, making them 11th out of 12 teams in the league. Will Angel Reese and the Sky’s existing roster be able to beat the Mystics in this home game? Stay tuned to find out!