Why is Angel Reese not playing tonight against Dallas Wings? Latest injury update on Sky rookie (Sept. 8)

The Chicago Sky will face the Dallas Wings without rookie star Angel Reese as they fight to stay in the playoffs. On Sunday morning, Reese handed Sky faithful a devastating blow with the news that she has picked up a season-ending wrist injury, which will leave her sidelined for the rest of the 2024-25 WNBA season.

Reese picked up the injury during the Sky’s 92-78 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday. She will need surgery to fix the problem and is likely to return to competitive action at the beginning of 2025’s Unrivaled basketball league.

The former LSU forward took to X on Sunday to thank fans for their support and expressed her sadness at being ruled out. The Sky also released a statement giving her their best wishes.

Angel Reese made a superb start to her WNBA career after being drafted in the summer. She quickly emerged as one of the standout rookies in the league alongside Caitlin Clark, breaking multiple records along the way.

She has started in all 34 of Chicago's games this season and is the league's best rebounder, averaging 13.1 per game along with 13.6 points and 1.9 assists.

The Sky snapped their seven-game losing streak in their last matchup, putting them on level with the Atlanta Dream for the final playoff spot with just six games left to go in their season.

They were deemed to be already out of contention by many, but the Dream have put the pressure on them and are now hot on their heels. The Sky know that it is all in their hands, as even the slightest slip-up will blow the doors to the last playoff spot wide open.

They have upcoming games against the Washington Mystics, Minnesota Lynx, Phoenix Mercury, as well as the Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun.

Can Chicago Sky cope without Angel Reese in their pursuit of playoffs?

Losing their best rookie and rebounder will have a considerable effect on the team. Coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s Sky will certainly be much more vulnerable on the board without Angel Reese.

However, Dana Evans and Isabelle Harrison are two players who are likely to be filling Reese’s boots. The former has had a quiet season, and there is no reason as to why she cannot continue her form with Harrison alongside her.

Reese's absence could also open up more scoring opportunities for Kamilla Cardoso, who is likely to take on increased responsibility on both ends of the court.

Many fans forget that Angel Reese is only 22, and she still has many years left in the game if her injuries permit her. Hopefully for Chicago, Reese will be back in a month, even more determined and have a positive impact in games for the good of the team.