Sky Coach Confirms Angel Reese Status with Final Update Before Chicago vs Seattle Game

If it were last year, Angel Reese would have missed one game for sure due to her seventh technical foul. But because the WNBA has expanded its schedule to 44 games, the Chicago Sky standout, too, got an opportunity and is now just one tech away from a game suspension. But before she could capitalize on that opportunity, something unexpected took over her!  Well, it all comes up just before the Chicago Sky’s tip-off against the Seattle Storm, when the 23-year-old Maryland native didn’t come out of the tunnel in uniform. But, still, she was expected to play, as the team hadn’t provided any official status update.

But then came the twist as the Chicago Sky star, who’s been on a tear since June, was first listed as questionable after missing the shootaround. Then, a couple of hours later, she was officially ruled out due to a lingering back issue. And all that came despite her looking physically fine in her last outing, logging 11 points and 11 rebounds against the Lynx. So, honestly, it seems the toll of the grueling WNBA schedule, combined with increasing minutes for an injury-ridden Sky team, may have finally caught up with her.

Angel Reese has officially been ruled OUT for the Sky’s game vs. the Seattle Storm

— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) July 25, 2025

Especially since the injury details are still a bit unclear, but yes, this isn’t the first time the Chi-Town Barbie has missed a regular-season game. Ever since last season, when she was diagnosed with a hairline wrist fracture during a game against LA—an injury that ended her rookie WNBA season and required surgery, followed by four weeks in a hard cast and two more in a soft cast—Reese has been dealing with injuries off and on.

After her rookie season, she was sidelined ahead of a semifinal game while playing in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league due to a hand injury. Then came the game just before the All-Star break when she was held out with a leg injury. Though the head coach later confirmed it was precautionary, Reese did return for the All-Star weekend. But the following game against the Atlanta Dream didn’t go well. The Sky were outmatched from the start and ended up dropping the contest 86–49.

Well, that marked the beginning of a three-game losing streak during a particularly difficult stretch of the season. And the frustration was evident when Head Coach Tyler Marsh shared in a press conference, “It (Reese’s leg) was feeling a little tight during the game the other day… I think she wants to be at her best self for her teammates…She’s a competitor, she wants to be out there and compete, she wants to be able to do it at 100%. And obviously, it’s tough going through the ups and downs of the season—whether from an injury standpoint or wins and losses standpoint. But she’s a fighter and will continue to work through and battle back.”

And no doubt, he’s right. While the team has played 23 games and currently sits at 7–16—four games behind the last playoff spot—there are still 21 games left before the postseason begins. After all, it’s been a trying season for the Sky, especially after legendary point guard Courtney Vandersloot suffered a season-ending injury in June.

Now, the 2024 draft-class sensation is out once again—marking the second game she’s missed this season. And that too when she’s red hot in terms of performance on court. Just consider she recorded her 10th straight double-double, putting up 11 points and 11 rebounds in her last outing versus the Lynx. Beyond that, her averages of 13.8 points, 3.7 assists (both career highs), and 12.5 rebounds (leading the league for the second consecutive year) speak volumes about her impact. So, you know her absence will definitely be felt!

But will Angel Reese’s absence cost the Sky?

Sure, Reese went just 3-of-8 from the field with three assists in that game against the Lynx—but she also led the team with nine turnovers, which isn’t exactly ideal for someone expected to lead. And let’s not forget her seventh technical foul—a reminder that frustrations have been bubbling over.  But, still, the Sky needed her now more than ever, especially with seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith, who recently notched the first triple-double and an assist record in the All-Star Game and now is back on the roster. While she was listed out for personal reasons against the Wings, now she’ll be giving the Storm a significant boost as they look to improve on their 14–10 record.

As for the Sky, Reese isn’t the only one sidelined. Michaela Onyenwere (knee) and Ariel Atkins (leg) have also been ruled out for the Storm game as they continue to recover from their respective injuries. This only means one thing: Chicago will be significantly shorthanded. But do they still have a chance at winning?