WNBA’s 2024 playoffs are just around the corner. But still, one playoff spot remains up for grabs between Chicago and Washington, with Atlanta being one step ahead of both. To end the final spot run tonight, Atlanta will face the leading league heroes — New York, Washington will host Indiana, and Chicago will see Connecticut at their home. Since Angel Reese was sidelined with a season-ending wrist injury, Chennedy Carter and Kamilla Cardoso took over the reins.

However, the team has dropped 4 of 5 straight games. Certainly, it was Reese’s dominant presence that made it easier for Carter to draw plays and score better. Hence, she is the team’s leading scorer with 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. On the other hand, Kamilla Cardoso has been leading the Sky’s defensive fronts with 1.4 blocks per game. Moreover, she has recorded 7 double-doubles through the season. Now, Chicago is in another crucial spot, with one more hurdle in front of them to reach the playoffs. Will they be able to cross it?

Chennedy Carter and Kamilla Cardoso put Chicago in a tough spot

In tonight’s game, the Sky will attempt to break free from their four-game losing streak. However, the chances for that happening look thin as Chicago’s scoring machine, Chennedy Carter, and rookie rebounder Kamilla Cardoso have been declared questionable.

Carter encountered a foot injury in the Sky’s recent game against Atlanta. Hence, it is unclear whether she’ll be available for Chicago’s final game for a spot in the playoffs. Similarly, Kamilla Cardoso will be unavailable for the game due to a shoulder injury, her second one this year.

For the last 5 games, Carter and Cardoso have majorly contributed to the team’s performance in scoring, assists, and rebounds. However, the team does look weak ever since Angel Reese has been sidelined.

This has left the team to a tough front with Connecticut as their opponent in their battle for the playoff spot.

How do the two teams look?

Through the last 10 games, Connecticut’s offense has gotten better. They have managed to stack 80 points per game. Defensively, they have allowed 76.2 points, i.e. 2.1 more points per game than the 74.1 points they have over the entire season. In this span, the team has been averaging 6.8 three-pointers per game, shooting 35.6% from deep.

On the other hand, Chicago has been averaging 76.2 points per game in the last 10 games, compared to 78 points in the entire season. Also, they have given up 84.9 points per game in those 10, which is more than they did in the entire season, i.e. 82.4.

However, their 3-point percentage is going to be badly hurt with Carter not being on the court and having traded Marina Mabrey before to their upcoming competitors. Their defense, too is going to take a hit without Cardoso and Reese. This season, Chennedy Carter has been leading the team to most of its wins with Reese and Cardoso making it easier for her to score. Now, all these three players are out, placing Chicago in a very tough spot.

That said, Rachel Banham is now leading the Sky squad. She scored 22 points in the Sky’s 86-70 loss to Atlanta. This will be their fourth face-off this season, and with veterans like DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, the stakes appear to be leaning a bit more toward Connecticut.