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The Chicago Sky will face the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday without one of their key figures, Chennedy Carter. After finishing the first half of the campaign by dropping 30 points on the Las Vegas Aces, Carter won't be available against the Mercury.
Chicago Tribune's Julia Poe reported that Carter didn't participate in Thursday morning's shootaround. Poe quoted coach Teresa Weatherspoon as saying Carter's absence was due to a non-COVID illness.
"Chennedy Carter did not participate in shootaround this morning due to a non-COVID illness, per Teresa Weatherspoon," Poe wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
"Undetermined if she will be able to travel with the team this weekend."
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Carter won't be the only player sidelined for this game. Elizabeth Williams is also out due to a knee issue.
Carter leads the Sky in scoring with 17.2 points per game. After getting a training camp deal with the team, she started the season as a role player and was bumped up to starting guard, playing 12 of 24 games from tip-off.
Chicago Sky will have a tough challenge against Phoenix Mercury without Chennedy Carter
Even though Chennedy Carter's loss is painful for the Sky, they have other options. Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso remain strong forces on offense and could take on bigger roles against veterans Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper and Diana Taurasi.
As for Carter, she could return on Saturday when her team faces the LA Sparks at 5 p.m. ET.
Without Marina Mabrey, Carter is expected to take on a bigger role.
Chennedy Carter calls out ESPN after being ranked near the bottom of best players list
Carter has been active on social media and she shared her thoughts on a recent ESPN ranking about the best players to watch in the second half of the competition. Carter was ranked 24 out of 25 players on the list.
"How I average less minutes and my stats top in the league ? But I am at the bottom. This isn't adding up. The hate be so obvious, F/G percentage as well," Carter wrote in an Instagram story.
Carter is keen to make an impact again, but she will have to wait to make her return.
