Is Chennedy Carter playing tonight? A look at Chicago Sky guard's availability ahead of key matchup vs Fever

Chennedy Carter was on the Chicago Sky’s injury report for Friday’s highly anticipated game against the Indiana Fever. Also, Elizabeth Williams, who is out for the season due to a knee injury, is on the list. However, as per reports, Carter is ruled out of game and wouldn't suit up to help her team end a four-game losing slump.

Carter was a late scratch in Chicago’s 74-70 loss to the Washington Mystics on Wednesday. The team kept her out as she was placed under the health and safety protocols. Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon did not comment about Carter’s status after the Mystics game. However, Chennedy is sidelined from game and will miss the action against Caitlin Clark.

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What happened to Chennedy Carter?

The WNBA has used the “health and safety protocols” since the COVID-19 pandemic. When an athlete gets such a designation it means the player tested positive. Chennedy Carter likely got clearance to play again after a negative result in succeeding tests.

Carter has been reliable for the Sky this season, missing just two of the team’s 30 games. She leads Chicago in scoring with 17.2 points per game. The No. 4 pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft also averages 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest.

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Another physical and entertaining matchup between Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark

Chennedy Carter is the Chicago Sky’s leading scorer and best perimeter defender. On Friday, she will again have the unenviable task of guarding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. It will be the fourth time this season that the two will go head-to-head.

In Chicago’s 88-87 win over the Fever in June, Carter scored 23 points to back up Angel Reese’s 25-point, 16-rebound night. More than just scoring, Sky fans had so much fun watching Carter chase Clark around. Teresa Weatherspoon will be hoping her defensive ace can put on another superb performance.

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Sky-Fever matchup has playoff implications

Chennedy Carter’s return could not have come at a more important time for the Chicago Sky. A four-game losing streak has dropped Chicago’s record to 11-19 for the 8th and final spot in the playoffs.

They are only half a game ahead of the Atlanta Dream (10-20) for a ticket to the postseason. The Sky can’t afford another loss if they want to hold off the Dream and even the 9-22 Washington Mystics.

Meanwhile, the surging Indiana Fever has taken a stranglehold of the seventh spot. The 15-16 Fever are 4-1 since the WNBA returned to action following the month-long Olympic break. A win by the Fever will tie them with the Phoenix Mercury, who owns a 16-16 record.

Caitlin Clark has been playing well for the Fever. Chennedy Carter should be raring to face the rookie again on Friday.