As the Chicago Sky prepare for a pivotal showdown with the Seattle Storm, all eyes are on the health of Angel Reese, the team’s standout rookie whose relentless energy has fueled Chicago’s campaign.
Reese has become a central figure for the Sky, forming a formidable partnership with fellow frontcourt star Kamilla Cardoso and helping keep the team in the playoff hunt.
But a sudden injury concern has left her status for Thursday night’s matchup in question, raising the stakes for a franchise already battling adversity.
The Sky‘s season has been marked by resilience and adaptability, with Reese embodying both qualities since her arrival.
Head coach Tyler Marsh did little to ease the anxiety of fans when he addressed Reese‘s back injury before the Seattle game.
“Angel was feeling a little tight coming out of the game the other day,” Marsh explained.
“I think she wants to be at her best self for her teammates. She’s a competitor, she wants to be out there and compete. She wants to be able to do it at a hundred percent.”
The rookie sensation has powered through injuries before, but the team is taking no chances as the season enters its most crucial stretch.
Sky’s depth put to the test amid
The injury report in Chicago has become a running storyline in 2025.
Alongside Reese‘s uncertain availability due to her back issue, the Sky are also missing key contributors Ariel Atkins (leg) and Michaela Onyenwere (knee), both of whom remain sidelined with no definitive return date.
That has forced Marsh to get creative with his rotations, leaning even more heavily on Cardoso and younger players to fill the void.
Reese‘s numbers this year underscore her importance: she has played in 22 out of 23 games, sitting out only before the All-Star break due to a separate leg injury.
On Tuesday, she logged more than 30 minutes against the Minnesota Lynx, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, though the Sky ultimately fell 91-68.
The cause of her latest injury remains unclear, but her competitive drive is unquestioned.
Her value is not only reflected in her individual stats, a ten-game double-double streak and team-best rebounding numbers, but in the way her presence elevates the rest of the roster.
Chicago has won every one of its seven games this season with Reese on the floor, a testament to her leadership and all-around impact.
Should Reese miss Thursday’s matchup, it would mark just her second absence of the season. The timing could not be worse, as the Sky are fighting to stay relevant in a crowded playoff race.
With Cardoso already shouldering an increased burden, the loss of Reese would leave the team thin in the paint and limit their options against a surging Seattle squad.
Angel Reese’s grit faces its biggest test
Angel Reese‘s story this season has been one of persistence and rapid adaptation to the professional game.
She has quickly become a fan favorite, not just in Chicago, but across the WNBA, for her intensity, charisma, and knack for big moments.
Coach Marsh’s remarks underscore the trust and admiration she has earned from her teammates and staff.
“She’s a competitor, she wants to be out there and compete,” he reiterated, leaving no doubt that Reese will return to action as soon as she is cleared.
As for the fans hoping to see her back on the court, tip-off against the Seattle Storm is set for 8:00 pm EST.
The Sky‘s chances may hinge on whether Reese can suit up and continue her impressive run. In a season where every win matters, Chicago needs their “Skyscraper” to stand tall once again.
With so much at stake, the Sky will be hoping for good news from the training staff.
As the regular season winds down, Angel Reese‘s determination to overcome adversity could define not only her rookie year, but the direction of the Chicago Sky’s future.
Read the full article here
