'%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,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIG/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMDQr//EACEQAAIBAgYDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEQAEAwUGBxIjUWGR/9oACAEBAAE/AE0FmgUHFNgFSVHFBJL+PtNthfye6fYcCv/EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACARIh/9oACAECAQE/AEW2yf/EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQL/2gAIAQMBAT8A044f/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After a gut-wrenching loss at the hands of the Las Vegas Aces, the Chicago Sky faces an in-form Washington Mystics on Wednesday. This will be the third matchup between these two teams, with the results currently split 1-1.
The Mystics season is pretty much over with nothing really to play for. Playoff qualification looks highly unlikely, but they are now focusing on playing spoiler. They've recently pulled off a major upset, defeating the Seattle Storm on the road.
The WNBA outfit from the U.S. capital is picking up some great wins at the moment, and particularly the trio of Ariel Atkins, Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes looks to be in a rich vein of form. They will be hoping they can do the same once more on Wednesday.
Trending
The Sky, on the other hand, are in dire need of an upturn in form after three defeats in a row, with their last win coming in a road win over the Los Angeles Sparks 10 days ago. They have just 11 games left before the regular season ends. So, no room for error.
The team has also been dealing with a health crisis, as multiple players reportedly have fallen ill in the lead-up to this game, with things on the court not a lot better as playoff pressure creeps ever closer.
However, it's worth remembering that just last month, the Sky thumped the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, as well as the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings, and that display should be a polite reminder of what they are capable of.
Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky: Starting lineups and depth charts
Washington Mystics starting lineups and depth charts
The Mystics are set to be without key players, with Shakira Austin and Karlie Samuelson both listed absent, which could see Shatori Walker-Kimbrough back in the starting five along with Stefanie Dolson, Julie Vanloo, Brittney Sykes and Ariel Atkins.
Chicago Sky starting lineups and depth charts
Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon was under the media microscope again as she was criticized by fans for her decision not to have 6-foot-7 rookie forward Kamilla Cardoso guard Aces star A'ja Wilson during the final possession.
Additionally, the Sky haven't had the best luck after the Olympic break, and that has potentially been added to with Chenneday Carter, who has been playing well recently, listed out due to health and safety protocols, along with Elizabeth Williams, who is out for the season with a knee injury.
With Carter sidelined, either Moriah Jefferson or Rachel Banham are expected to step into the starting lineup, along with Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Michaela Onyenwere and Lindsay Allen.
Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky: What to expect
Both need the win, even if it’s for completely different reasons. The Sky are hoping to stop a three-game losing streak and also end their poor shooting spell. Conversely, the Mystics are aiming to win three games in a row. So, it promises to be a well-fought matchup.
