Is Kamilla Cardoso playing tonight vs Phoenix Mercury? Exploring the latest on Chicago Sky rookie's status (Sept. 15)

Kamilla Cardoso's Chicago Sky are set to host the Phoenix Mercury in a WNBA regular-season matchup on Sunday. Leading up to the big game, there were question marks over Cardoso's fitness as she was listed as questionable. However, she has since been cleared to play after a medical examination.

Rookie Cardoso was dealing with a right shoulder issue, which she sustained during the Sky's previous game against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday.

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What happened to Kamilla Cardoso?

During the game against the Minnesota Lynx, Kamilla Cardoso appeared to be in some discomfort after attempting to grab a rebound over Napheesa Collier with 6:44 left in the fourth quarter. She continued to rotate her shoulder through the remainder of the game.

Cardoso sustained a right shoulder injury during a preseason game against the Lynx, which delayed her WNBA debut. The rookie missed the first six games of the season before making her professional debut on June 1 against the Indiana Fever.

With rookie Angel Reese out for the season due to a left wrist injury, Cardoso's availability is a boost to Chicago as it chases a playoff spot.

Teresa Weatherspoon's squad is ninth in the standings, with only the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs. The Sky have an identical record (13-24) to the Washington Mystics, who hold the eighth and final playoff spot with three games remaining.

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How Kamilla Cardoso has fared in 2024 WNBA season

Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 10 points on 51.9% shooting from the field after 31 games. The rookie is also averaging 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 72.6% from the free-throw line.

In her previous game, Cardoso delivered an excellent performance, recording a double-double. The 23-year-old scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against the Lynx.