The Chicago Sky have lost 10 of their last 11 games, including eight of nine since the All-Star break, and the absence of star forward Angel Reese has likely been a big reason why.
Reese, who leads the league in rebounding (12.6 per game) and leads the Sky in scoring (14.2 points per game) and ranks second on the team in assists (3.7 per game), has been dealing with a back injury that’s sidelined for her for the last five games.
Her official status is day-to-day, and she missed Chicago’s 92-70 loss to the Indiana Fever (who were without their star Caitlin Clark) because she stayed in Chicago to rehab her injured back.
The Sky are on pace to finish with their worst winning percentage since 2006 (.147), and some have wondered if the Sky, who are 8-23 and sit in 11th place in the WNBA standings, plan to shut her down for the rest of the season with just 13 regular-season games remaining and the Sky well out of the playoff picture.
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“People may not like this answer, but for the health of both [Reese and Clark], I’m in favor of shutting them down,” USA Today’s Meghan L. Hall wrote on X. “Do not risk that. Work towards next season. I don’t want either one of them rushed back. Straight up. Seen way too many folks injured this season, including several big stars.”
While it’s not known when (or if) Reese will play again this season, the 23-year-old LSU alum added some fuel to the fire regarding her return when she posted an ominous three-word message on social media Monday evening days before Chicago’s next matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday.
“In due time,” Reese posted on X.
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It’s not known if Reese was hinting to her possible return, but fans hit the comment section to send their well wishes to the 2024 Rookie of the Year runner-up.
“Please come back. We miss you. The W isn’t the same without you,” one fan wrote.
“We miss you 🥰 Healing prayers for your mental and physical 🙏🏽 Take your time and only come back when you are ready 5,” another fan commented.
“Ready to see you back on the court 😭,” a third fan exclaimed.
“We need you back but please heal fully first. ❤️,” remarked one user.
“🫶🏾🫶🏾,” another user replied.
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Reese was seen Monday observing her Sky teammates practice from the sidelines in street clothes. Like Clark, Reese coach hasn’t been too forthcoming with specific details about when to expect to see her play next.
But it’s likely both teams are being cautious in easing their star players back into the mix. Chicago is just 1-7 without Reese this season, and with the team set to miss out on the playoffs for the second straight season, it wouldn’t be completely surprising if Reese has played her last game this year.