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August’s clash gave the rivalry a name: “Lil’ A vs. Big A.” The Sky may have fallen by five to A’ja Wilson’s Aces, but Angel Reese stole the spotlight that night. Barely a week removed from a back injury, she was already making headlines. Even Candace Parker couldn’t hold back her admiration at the time: “I think it is endless, honestly. You look at her body, you look at her ability to get up and down the floor, and I don’t think it’s just on the offensive end – it’s on the defensive end as well.”

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But fans tuning in for the sequel will have to wait. As Angel Reese is suspended for the first half of Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces for what the team called “statements detrimental to the team.” In a statement, Chicago emphasized, “The Chicago Sky values the safety, respect, and well-being of every player. We are committed to accountability so our players can stay focused on playing basketball. This matter has been handled and resolved internally, and we are moving forward as a team.” Even so, there’s much more to look forward to. What makes the Las Vegas Aces vs the Chicago Sky interesting? Let us break it down for you…

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Las Vegas Aces vs Chicago Sky: Where to Watch?

  • Date: Sunday, 7th September 2025
  • Time: 9:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
  • Venue: T Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
  • Streaming services: WNBA League Pass, FUBO
  • Cable services: NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network – North

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Injury Report

Las Vegas Aces

Chicago Sky

CHIHailey Van LithGOutAnkle injury; ruled out vs Aces7 Sep 2025
CHIAriel AtkinsGDay-to-dayNot specified7 Sep 2025
CHICourtney VanderslootGOutKnee injury; intends to return next year7 Sep 2025

What’s your perspective on:

Can Angel Reese's absence in the first half cost Chicago Sky their chance against the Aces?

Have an interesting take?

Predicted Starting Lineup

Las Vegas Aces

  • Jewell Loyd; 25.1 MIN, 11.0 PTS, 3.1 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.2 BLK
  • Kierstan Bell: 12.2 MIN, 4.3 PTS, 1.8 REB, 0.7 AST, 0.4 STL, 0.3 BLK
  • A’ja Wilson: 31.3 MIN, 23.6 PTS, 10.1 REB, 3.0 AST, 1.5 STL, 2.2 BLK
  • Chelsea Gray: 31.1 MIN, 11.1 PTS, 3.8 REB, 5.4 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.7 BLK
  • Jackie Young: 30.4 MIN, 16.5 PTS, 4.5 REB, 4.8 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.4 BLK

Chicago Sky

  • Michaela Onyenwere: 16.1 MIN, 5.4 PTS, 1.5 REB, 1.2 AST, 0.4 STL, 0.1 BLK
  • Maddy Westbeld: 12.2 MIN, 3.2 PTS, 2.2 REB, 0.7 AST, 0.4 STL, 0.3 BLK
  • Kamilla Cardoso: 27.1 MIN, 13.5 PTS, 8.3 REB, 2.4 AST, 0.4 STL, 1.1 BLK
  • Rachel Banham: 24.0 MIN, 9.0 PTS, 1.6 REB, 2.5 AST, 0.6 STL, 0.2 BLK
  • Ariel Atkins: 28.6 MIN, 13.1 PTS, 3.4 REB, 3.6 AST, 1.6 STL, 0.7 BLK

Note: Angel Reese (31.6 MIN, 14.7 PTS, 12.6 REB, 3.7 AST, 1.5 STL, 0.7 BLK) is suspended for the first half of this game.

How the Las Vegas Aces vs Chicago Sky Game Might Go Down…

The Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces will step into their second meeting of the season with narratives going in opposite directions. Chicago is sitting near the bottom of the standings at 10-31. They have fought through injuries and inconsistency. While Las Vegas, riding a 13-game win streak, looks every bit the contender at 27-14.

The Sky lean heavily on sophomore sensation Angel Reese, who has been a double-double machine with 14.7 PPG and 12.6 RPG. Around her, Kamilla Cardoso provides an inside anchor. Still, their offense averages just 76.1 points per game on 42.6% shooting, often leaving them needing defensive grit to stay alive.

On the other side, the Aces have rediscovered their dominance. A’ja Wilson has been unstoppable, averaging 23.6 PPG and 10.1 RPG, with strong support from Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Their offense sits at 83.0 points per game while holding opponents to 81.7, and that balance has powered their unbeaten run across the last ten.

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The first clash between these two was close: Vegas edged out a 79–74 win on August 26, but since then, momentum has felt one-sided whenever it’s A’ja Wilson on the court. The Aces’ firepower, depth, and rhythm make them overwhelming favorites, while the Sky are searching for sparks in what has been a grinding season.

According to ESPN’s predictor, Las Vegas has an 83.3% chance to take this one, leaving Chicago with just a sliver of hope at 16.7%.

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Can Angel Reese's absence in the first half cost Chicago Sky their chance against the Aces?

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