There is a storm rolling into the Chicago Sky, and we’re set for an electric show tonight. With the Storm riding high, I can’t say the same for the Sky. They’ve struggled to find much consistent momentum this season, as they sit 7-16 on the season. The Storm, on the other hand, has been a tough team all season, picking up wins consistently and leaving them with a 14-10 record. We’ll see if the Sky can stop the Storm rolling into Chicago.
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Michaela Onyenwere Out
Angel Reese Questionable
Ariel Atkins Out
Marquesha Davis Questionable
Courtney Vandersloot Out
Well, this may be one of the more lopsided matchups of the day, with the Sky struggling to get much going. They did have some hope recently with Reese putting up solid numbers, but the rest of the team is still far from competing. Their offense is the main issue. They’re second to last in points per game, and their shooting percentages aren’t friendly either. They’re in desperate need of someone who can help this offense improve because, as good as Reese can be, she’s just not a primary offensive hub. Ariel Atkins is the closest thing they have to a positive offensive player, but with her sidelined tonight, it’s going to get rough on the scoreboard. Their defense isn’t a saving grace either; with them allowing 86 points a game, this team is stuck.
On the flip side, we’ve had a great year with the Storm. They had three players named to the All-Star team—Ogwumike, Giggins, and Williams—which feels more like a team achievement than individual ones. The team works so well together; these players 100% earned their spots on the All-Star squad, but it was thanks to the entire roster that they made it. They’ve shown impressive depth and selflessness. It’s their willingness to attack the rim on offense that’s made this team special. Diggins has been causing havoc with her ability to get downhill on opponents. Pair that with the size Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor bring, and it’s easy to see why this team has been tough.
Overall, this matchup isn’t likely to be competitive. We’re just seeing two teams in very different places. I think we’ll see Seattle dominate, so that’s why I’m taking their moneyline, the under on the 154.5 points total, and the Seattle -10.5 spread.
Money line: SEA (-520) / CHI (+390)
Total Points: 154.5
Spread: -10.5 SEA (-110) / +10.5 CHI (-110)
After an All-Star appearance, Williams is back. While she hasn’t been racking up many assists, she’s been fairly consistent this year. Averaging just 4.5 assists a game, Williams is quite matchup-dependent for her playmaking. However, the Sky seem like a great team for her to rack up some easy numbers. With the Sky struggling all season, there should be decent defensive gaps Williams can exploit tonight.
Ogwumike continues to dominate in the post. With 22 points in her last game against the Wings, the Sky should be in for a similar outcome. Even though they have considerably more size down low than the Wings, injuries are limiting their effectiveness. I expect to see a solid, efficient night from Ogwumike, with 19 points easily within her reach.
With Reese slowed down due to injury, she hasn’t been snagging as many boards as she normally does. Her numbers have consistently fallen below this line. She hasn’t been over 13 boards in four games now, and facing Seattle won’t help her. With some solid size and depth in the post, Reese may struggle to get the offensive boards she needs to hit the over. The under is looking excellent today.