Sky vs Lynx: Can Angel Reese and Co. Overcome Roster Troubles? Injury Report, Starting 5 and Prediction

Apart from the Phoenix Mercury, the Chicago Sky is probably the second team to come that close to the 2x WNBA champ, the Las Vegas Aces, who recently thrashed Angel Reese and her Chicago squad in a 95-83 on Friday. Despite that, Angel Reese is emerging to be an offensive force on the court as the season moves forward. Yesterday, Reese set the record straight by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record 200+ points, 175+ rebounds, and 25+ steals. Moreover, she is maintaining a 9-game double-double streak regardless of the outcome in those games.

And it was perhaps because of this dominance, that she received a shout-out from Serena Williams’ husband, Alex Ohanian who wrote, “@Reese10Angel balling” on X. Coming back to the team, it will be the first time that Chicago will be hosting the Minnesota Lynx since the season took off. So, let’s dig into the details of how they are doing.

Angel Reese and Co. facing roster troubles

According to recent updates, the Chicago Sky is facing some challenges in keeping its roster in one piece, as center Elizabeth Williams is out for the season because she underwent surgery for a torn meniscus.

Williams sustained a painful injury earlier this month in the 79-91 winner against the Washington Mystics. Before that, the All-Star was averaging 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks. As a result, the burden has fallen upon rookie Kamilla Cardoso’s shoulder to dominate in the paint.

Another challenge that the team has faced is that they released Kysre Gondrezick who was the 4th overall pick in the 2021 WNBA draft. The former West Virginia guard concluded her senior season at 19.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, she couldn’t translate this magnitude in the WNBA.  After missing out on the 2023 season, Gondrezick signed with the Sky this February but appeared in only 5 games. In her brief tenure with the Sky, she averaged 1 point, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game.

Now, the Sky is looking to fill up 2 spots with Williams and Gondrezick out. What’s more intriguing is that this is happening under 1st-year head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who brings a lot more to the team than just coaching. 5x WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Weatherspoon brings with her a blend of experience, seasoned knowledge, and grit for Chicago’s majorly novice roster to flourish on.

“You don’t experience things to keep; you experience it to give it back. It’s emotional for me, sometimes, when I think about it because a group of young women are under my leadership, and it’s my duty — and I love my duty, and I love my challenge — is to make sure that they are the best version of themselves. … It’s not all about the Xs and Os for me. It’s about the relationship with them,” said Weatherspoon describing the importance of her experience and how it helps her to navigate as a coach.

So, now let’s get down to the specifics of the team and its upcoming opponents from Minnesota.

Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx

Talking about Chicago’s starting five, Marina Mabrey has been dominating in terms of scoring and assists. She leading the roster with 14.9 points per game. Next in line is Chennedy Carter, who is a dominant force on the court. She is currently averaging 14.7 points per game and delivering high-scoring and assisting performance.

Forward Angel Reese too is growing her game, reigning the court with her double-digit rebounds and possessions. Kamilla Cardoso, on the other hand, is dominating on the defensive, leading the team with 0.8 blocks per game. Lindsay Allen, playing her 7th season in the league, is picking up the pace and dishing out impressive assists to her teammates.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup champion, the Minnesota Lynx is coming afresh from a defeat at the hands of Dallas. So, they will be looking to dominate to get a win in this one. Napheesa Collier is leading the Lynx in scoring and steals while dominating on the offensive with 10.4 rebounds per game.

Next, Courtney Williams is making her passes count with her remarkable assists. As always, she likes to keep her game simple. Kayla McBridge, the second-leading scorer on the team is also expanding her game, dishing out assists. Also, Bridget Charleton and Alanna Smith are making significant contributions to the team with their performance.

So, tomorrow’s game can turn out to be season-defining for Angel Reese and her team as they liberate themselves from the troubles at hand.

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