It was another off night for the Chicago Sky just like many others this season. But even through the struggles, Angel Reese gave fans something to hold on to. She made history, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds, doing it in just 38 games. Just another reminder that Reese has been the lone bright spot in an otherwise dim season.

But what happens when even that light flickers? Well, that’s exactly what it’s starting to feel like for the Sky.

Where to Watch

• Date: August 3, 2025
• Time: 6:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm PT
• Venue: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois
• Streaming: Fubo

Injury Report

Phoenix Mercury

• No reported injuries

Chicago Sky

• Courtney Vandersloot – Out for season
• Angel Reese – Out
• Ariel Atkins – Out
• Hailey Van Lith – Out

Angel Reese has officially been ruled out for the game, making it the fourth time in the last five due to a lingering back issue. “You know her back tightened up after the Washington game. So again more precautionary stuff there,” Tyler Marsh had explained after she missed her previous game. The status doesn’t seem to have changed yet. 

Ariel Atkins is also out, marking her seventh straight absence. She’s been dealing with an undisclosed injury, and there’s no sign of a return yet. Courtney Vandersloot, of course, is done for the season with an ACL tear that happened back in June. Hailey Van Lith, who’s been dealing with an ankle issue, is likely to miss her fourth game in a row as well. Meanwhile, Michaela Onyenwere is probable to play with a knee issue.

Truly, the Sky have been hit hard by injuries, and it’s showing in the results. 

Probable Lineups

Phoenix Mercury

• Alyssa Thomas 
• Kathryn Westbeld 
• Satou Sabally 
• Kahleah Copper 
• Monique Akoa Makani 

Chicago Sky

• Elizabeth Williams 
• Kamilla Cardoso 
• Rachel Banham 
• Rebecca Allen
• Kia Nurse 

Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury Prediction: Can Mercury go 3-0 vs Sky?

The Mercury have already beaten the Sky twice this season, and in their last meeting, it wasn’t even close. Phoenix dropped 12 three-pointers in the first half alone (tying a WNBA season-high) and cruised to a 107-86 win in Chicago. This time, though, both teams are coming off rough patches.

Since the All-Star break, the Mercury have lost four out of their last five games. Their most recent loss came against the Atlanta Dream on August 1, and before that, they gave up a season-high number of points to the Indiana Fever. Defensive issues continue to haunt this team.

Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas were the only Mercury players to score in double digits last game. Leading scorer Satou Sabally, who averages 17.2 points per game, had just 9 on 4-of-10 shooting. Coach Nate Tibbetts benched her in the second half, later saying, “She didn’t bring the energy that we needed.” Tibbetts has made it clear: the rest of the roster needs to step up if they want to close out their five-game road trip strong. So far, they’re 1-3 on the trip.

But over in Sky Town, it’s worse. They have lost seven straight and haven’t won a single game since the break. The only game they kept close recently was against the Valks, and even that ended in a single-digit loss. They’ve been fading in the second half of games.

Without Reese and other key players, Kamilla Cardoso remains one of the few reliable options left. She continues to be a strong post presence, but she can’t carry the whole load alone. Considering Chicago’s long injury list and Phoenix’s desperation to end their road trip on a positive note, it looks like the Mercury might just take this one too. But don’t be surprised if it goes down to the wire.

Prediction: Phoenix Mercury to win