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via Getty

via Getty

The New York Liberty is coming out as the only team in WNBA history to have all of its starters score in double digits. On the other hand, the Chicago Sky, led by the relentless Angel Reese, has already held an upper hand over these 2023 WNBA finalists. But can they repeat history?

With a chip on their shoulders, now the question is which team will reign over the other. While Chicago will have their rebounding queen, Angel Reese, on the opposite side will be veteran player Breanna Stewart, who will take charge against the hosts. So let’s take a look at the predictions, injury report, and starting five for both teams.

Prediction for Angel Reese’s Sky vs Breanna Stewart’s Liberty

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Over 12,000 people saw New York host their former player Teresa Weatherspoon’s team on May 23, 2024. However, as emotional as the clip about the current Sky coach was, the team did not give in to it. Getting an upper hand over Breanna Stewart-led Liberty, Chicago proved their potential. However, only time will tell if they can repeat the past once again to jump back from the loss against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. At the same time, New York is coming off a 3-game winning streak and would do anything to keep the ball in their court.

Hence, with both teams fighting for not just a win but also the Commissioner’s Cup, they are both going to give their best. Previously, Liberty’s offense got weak against Sky’s defense. While the stats seem to be a mirror image, Marina Mabrey’s impeccable shots earned her a 90-81 win that night. Surely, with better motivation this time, there is nothing in the young face of Chicago that can stop the veteran core of Liberty. But they have the speed and agility to combat all the experience on Brooklyn’s side.

 

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Chicago was running ahead of New York in fast break points and offensive rebounds, which shows their will to grind. They also performed better inside the paint, which means Jonquel Jones will have to do some heavy lifting while avoiding fouls. All in all, the Wintrust Arena has some heated matchups coming up.

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Injury report and starting five for Chicago vs New York

Fortunately for Chicago, none of their players will be off the floor. With zero injuries, the hosts will enter their home turn with a full roster. However, the visitors will not bring along their 6-foot-5 forward, Nyara Sabally. She is out due to her back issues and her return is not confirmed so far. The good news for Liberty will be Courtney Vandersloot’s return, who was out in the game against the Washington Mystics due to a back injury. But she played against the Fever, grabbing 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists for the team’s win.

For the starting five, New York will be going ahead with their comfort. Hence, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Courtney Vandersloot, and Breanna Stewart will be opening the game for Liberty. T-spoon will also be sending in her chosen hoopers. These are Angel Reese, Marina Mabrey, Michaela Onyenwere, Elizabeth Williams, and Dana Evans. However, with the return of Kamilla Cardoso, we can also see her in the mix.

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It is going to be a heavyweight game in Brooklyn tonight. With the Chicago Sky in a clear need to grab a win now, it will be interesting to see who gets the better of the other. Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.