'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Chicago Sky's WNBA playoff hopes remain in huge jeopardy with just 10 games of the regular season left to play as the red-hot Indiana Fever roll up to Wintrust Arena on Friday evening. It's another renewing of a rivalry between the two rookie stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
The Fever have won two of the three matchups between the two teams this season, with the most recent game being a narrow 88-87 victory for the Sky.
Can the Sky keep its drifting playoff hopes alive?
It has been a chaotic second half of the season for the Sky, who have seen many underwhelming performances, with a lack of fire power and stability throughout the team.
Trending
The Sky have recorded just one win after the Olympic break, which came against the injury-stricken and out-of-form bottom tean LA Sparks. They have lost multiple games they should have won. Those losses damaged the Sky’s confidence as the regular season draws to a close.
Clinging to the last playoff spot, with the Atlanta Dream and the Mystics waiting for them to slip up, Teresa Weatherspoon's team have a long way to go to reach the postseason. However, a win on Monday will take Chicago closer toward its goal.
The Fever, meanwhile, are loving life at the moment and fancy their playoff chances. Christie Sides’ women have won four of their last five games, with their form returning at the right time.
Their most recent win came against a spirited Connecticut Sun team at home, where all their starters scored in double figures. A win against the Sky on Friday could see the Fever end the weekend in sixth place, adding that extra incentive ahead of the matchup.
Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky: Starting lineups and depth charts
Indiana Fever starting lineups and depth charts
Christie Sides was forced to shuffle her pack in the last game, with Lexie Hull replacing Katie Lou Samuelson. She might try to keep the same starting five for Friday's game as well.
With all players available, Hull will be joined by Caitlin Clark, NaLyssa Smith, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell in the starting five.
Chicago Sky starting lineups and depth charts
The Sky go into the game after days of speculation and drama, mainly focusing around Chennedy Carter.
The 25-year-old guard was absent in the last game due to health and safety protocols amid the team's illness scare but could be in contention to play on Friday, as she's listed as "day-to-day."
If Carter starts, the Sky's starting five would be Michaela Onyenwere, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Lindsay Allen. If not, Rachel Banham might retain her place.
Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky: One player to watch out
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark has undoubtedly thrown her hat in the ring as one of the best players the league has ever seen.
As the Indiana Fever's main threat and leading assist provider this season, there's no doubt about what she can do. Once again, her intelligent runs and pace are the key to unlocking the Chicago Sky's weaknesses.
