Prior her injury Angel Reese was a force for the Chicago Sky in 2025, dominating the WNBA with a league-leading 12.6 rebounds per game. Her relentless work on the glass included an 11-game double-double streak, with six games featuring 15 or more rebounds-a remarkable feat. Despite missing 10 games, including her last seven straight, Reese still ranks third in total rebounds with 289, trailing only the still MVP A’ja Wilson (329) and 2023 first overall pick Aliyah Boston (297).
She’s also chipped in 14.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 44.4% from the field across 23 appearances. But the Sky’s dismal 8-25 record has them as the league’s second-worst team, with playoff hopes all but extinguished despite being mathematically alive.
ESPN Expert Doubts Reese’s Return This Year
One ESPN insider, Michael Voepel, suspects we might not see Angel Reese suit up again for the Sky in 2025. The dynamic forward has been dealing with a nagging back issue since her last appearance on July 29, and Chicago hasn’t offered any clear timeline for her comeback.
If Reese does sit out the rest of the way-which looks increasingly likely-she’d miss a shot at becoming the first player ever to haul in 500 rebounds in a single season, a milestone she was tracking toward before injuries derailed her path, just like in her debut year.
At just 23, though, Reese has plenty of time ahead; she can shift focus to her lucrative endorsement deals that dwarf her WNBA salary. Still, she can’t forget that hoops paved the way for her success, and with women’s basketball exploding in popularity, she’ll need to grind in the offseason to stay ahead of the incoming talent wave.
Reese and Clark Rivalry Takes a Twist with Injuries
The contrast with Caitlin Clark, Reese’s “rival” since their college days, is stark. Clark, sidelined by a groin injury since July 15, has missed over two-thirds of the season with 14 games, including the All-Star Game where she was set to captain. Yet, the Indiana Fever (19-16) remain in playoff contention, sitting sixth in the standings. Clark’s 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game in her 13 appearances this year highlight her impact.
With a return expected around August 26, she could provide the spark Indiana needs for a deep postseason run. Fans are buzzing for Clark’s comeback, eager to see her light up the court again. For Reese, another early exit without playoff action underscores the gap between the two stars’ 2025 fortunes, marking a second straight year of postseason absence for the Sky’s standout.
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