The Chicago Sky did not have the return they would have hoped for after the break. Still, they now have a chance to strengthen their bid for the playoffs. Angel Reese and Co. will fly out to the West Coast to take on the Los Angeles Sparks in the Crypto.com Arena. However, there are quite a few twists in the roster this time that just might change the outcome of the game. One that can keep the Sky from repeating their win from May is Chennedy Carter’s unknown status.
Here are the roster, injury report, and predictions for the game.
Who will be missing the action in the game and will Chennedy Carter make an appearance?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The WNBA is back and running. However, not all of its players have returned. In fact, six players from the two teams will not be getting their hands dirty in LA tomorrow. For the visiting Sky, Chennedy Carter still seems to be under the weather. According to the reports, she was supposed to play in the first game after the break only. However, according to the official X account of the Underdog WNBA, “Chennedy Carter (illness) questionable for Saturday.”
Do you think Chennedy Carter’s absence will impact the Los Angeles Sparks’ performance tonight?
No, they have enough depth
Maybe, it depends on the game flow
Have an interesting take?
Chennedy Carter (illness) questionable for Saturday.
— Underdog WNBA (@Underdog__WNBA) August 17, 2024
The guard who averages a team-high 17.2 points per game will be missing her second consecutive game after the break. Definitely, Chennedy Carter was missed in the sour loss to the Phoenix Mercury. Another veteran who will not show up in the Crypto.com will be Elizabeth Williams. She has been out since the Commissioner’s Cup games. Williams underwent knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, ending her season.
As for the hosts, Cameron Brink is, of course, out but might make yet another appearance on the bench to support her team. Aari McDonald is also out due to a right foot injury. Lexie Brown’s Crohn’s disease keeps her out indefinitely. Stephanie Talbot is also out owing to her right foot injury. Now that we know who won’t be on the floor tomorrow, let us see who will be.
Looking at the starting fives and predicting tomorrow’s showdown
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Chicago definitely has a chip on their shoulder this time around. Certainly, they need this win more than anything to keep their spot safe in the playoffs. With Chennedy Carter absent, Angel Reese will have Kamilla Cardoso, Michaela Onyenwere, Rachael Banham, and Lindsay Allen joining her to open the game. Interestingly, Moriah Jefferson, who saw limited minutes in her Sky debut from the bench, might again be on limited minutes as she continues to rehabilitate from her injury.
For the hosts, Dearica Hamby will again lead her crew. Azura Stevens, Kia Nurse, Layshia Clarendon, and Rickea Jackson will join the team’s leading scorer in her quest to finally grab a win. So far, the LA Sparks are at the fifth spot in the Western Conference and have a 2-game losing streak. They will be facing big guns of the league down the road until the end of the month. Hence, getting the better of the Sky while Chennedy Carter is missing from the roster can be quite beneficial for Curt Miller’s team.
No matter what goes down in the Crypto.com Arena tonight, winning this game will mean a lot to both sides. It will be worth watching if Angel Reese, who did not have a great game before, can improve her performance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.