The Chicago Sky find themselves in turmoil, as their chances of making the playoffs dwindle with each loss. The team has dropped eight consecutive games, seven of which were losses by double-digit margins, including a devastating 38-point defeat against the Seattle Storm. During this losing streak, the Sky have been outscored by an average of 20.8 points per game.
Currently, the Sky’s odds of reaching the postseason stand at a mere 0.1%, the lowest in the league according to ESPN’s WNBA Basketball Power Index. The Connecticut Sun share the same bleak probability, while the Dallas Wings have slightly better chances at 0.4%. With a season record of 7-21, the Sky trail the eighth-seeded Golden State Valkyries by seven games. Although mathematically still in the running with 16 games left, making the playoffs would require an impressive winning streak combined with losses from other teams ahead of them.
Adding to Chicago’s struggles is the absence of star forward Angel Reese, who is sidelined with a back injury. Reese, who leads the league with an average of 14.2 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, has already missed several key matches, including the recent game against the Washington Mystics. Her return date remains uncertain, compounding the team’s woes—especially after losing their guard Courtney Vanderloot to a season-ending injury earlier this year.
Fan Take: This tough stretch for the Chicago Sky is a crucial moment for WNBA fans, highlighting the impact injuries can have on even the most promising teams. Resilience and depth will be key for the league’s competitiveness, and how the Sky respond could shape the narrative of this season and beyond.