Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury: Injury Report, Starting-5 Prediction & More as Angel Reese Looking for Season’s First Win

“Turnovers have been our Achilles’ heel,” Marsh said after losing the last game. The Chicago Sky started the regular season on a wrong footing this year. As the newly appointed HC for Chicago Sky, Tyler Marsh witnessed a series of unprecedented events against the Indiana Fever. And with all odds against the team at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025, Fever forward Caitlin Clark and teammates crushed Sky’s every hope for a bleak chance at victory. Scoring a triple-double, Clark and team sent Chicago Sky downhill with a massive 93-58 defeat. 

But instead of clawing their way back with a stupendous win, the Sky further sank in the following matches. Despite Angel Reese‘s efforts to revive the team with an average of 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Reese was also responsible for contributing 4 turnovers in the match against Los Angeles Sparks. This further pushed the team into the losing abyss.

Moreover, Sky has committed nearly 57 turnovers so far, with an average of 19 per game. And if this isn’t the most number of ball giveaways this season, then check this out. Chicago Sky had 17 turnovers and practically served the 91-78 win to their opponents on Sunday. Talking about the turnover issue, Marsh added, “They continue to be something we struggle with and have to work on. It’s game where we had more possessions than our opponent, and we’ve come out on the wrong side of it. Those possessions are valuable. … We have to be able to handle the pressure and manage the ball.”

As Marsh and his roster comes to terms with the looming turnover issue, Angel Reese hopes for the first win of the season. Opening up about the three consecutive losses so far, Reese was candid about sticking together as a team. While Reese scored 13 points on 5 of 11 shooting from the field along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, it was not enough to win against the New York Liberty. “I think we just gotta stay together,” Reese said after the match. “It’s tough losing three in a row. But I think if we stay together and continue to work on the things we need to work on, I think we’ll be alright.”

Unhappy about the losses, Reese agreed with Marsh’s statement on working on the shortcomings in order to turn the waves in their favor. “We’re not happy, obviously. We’re not satisfied at all. We’re hungry for a win. And I just think taking our time, day by day. We have a lot more games left, and just being able to stay poised,” she added. No wonder winning is crucial for Sky at this point in the season. And though they have more games to bounce back, will this technique of taking their time day-by-day work in Sky’s favor?

While veterans Courtney Vandersloot, Kia Nurse, and Rebecca Allen have massively contributed the roster along with Reese so far, it seems like rookie and former college teammate of Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith might sit out ahead of Tuesday’s tip-off. But before we explore further into match predictions for both teams, let us take a look at the injury report of Sky and starting five predictions for both teams.

Injury Report: Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury

Rookie Hailey Van Lith became the latest player on the Sky’s roster to remain absent from the showdown against Phoenix Mercury. While her status remains questionable, Hailey apparently suffered from an ankle injury during the match against the New York Liberty. The rising star appeared in two regular matches so far and dished 4 points and 3 assists within an average of 10 minutes. And though she has a 0-for-3 score from beyond the arc, Hailey has shown a 33.3% shooting prowess from the field and 66.7% from the free throw line. Not bad for a rookie!

Despite having some of the most experienced veterans on Sky’s current roster, one absence spoke louder than the rest- that of point guard Moriah Jefferson. According to the official ESPN report Moriah Jefferson has been declared out, clearly indicating that the former point guard will have to sit out the game. Her leg issues are suspected to be the major cause of her absence in the upcoming game.

Jefferson has been recuperating from an arthroscopic surgery that was recently performed on her right ankle. The five-feet-six guard had been suffering from joint issues in the ankle since last season and this was the sole season she sat out the preseason games too. 

On the other hand, Phoenix Mercury will be heading without three of their players. While the absence of guard, Kahleah Cooper looms heavy on the team, she is expected to return by June 15, 2025. Breaking the news regarding her absence, ESPN commented, “Copper underwent a successful left knee arthroscopy and her timetable for return is approximately four to six weeks, the Mercury announced Saturday.” Besides Cooper, Mercury is also losing two of its players to injuries. While, Natasha Mack is expected to return within two to three weeks after tending to a lower back injury, rookie Murjanatu Musa‘s illness remains undisclosed.

Projected starters: Chicago vs Phoenix

Here’s a look at the projected starting five for both teams:

Chicago Sky

Match prediction: Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury

Standing fourth in overall rankings, Phoenix Mercury has shown impressive performance on the hardwood so far. With 13 points by Monique Akoa Makani, 9 rebounds by Satau Sabally, and 5 assists by Alyssa Thomas, the Mercury had a  remarkable 68-62 season opener win against the Washington Mystics. And they haven’t looked back since. Despite a 77-70 loss against Seattle Storm, Mercury showed higher stats as Thomas single-handedly led the team with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. So, it was no surprise when Mercury bounced back from the loss and has been on a winning streak so far.

On the other hand, despite a heart-wrenching defeat against Fever, Sky showcased a determined performance irrespective of the odds placed against them. Jefferson’s absence stung the team during the season opener as they massively struggled on the backcourt. While rookie Hailey Van Lith had a promising season opener with 4 points within four minutes, Dana Evans averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Even Kamilla Cardoso came across as a rising star with an average of 11 points and 6 rebounds. But with HVL out of the match, has Sky worked on its shortcomings already?

After losing to reigning 2024 champions, the New York Liberty, Chicago Sky is up for a grueling match against Mercury on May 27. Though the team boasts of young and efficient players in the roster, there are chances of Sky winning against Phoenix Mercury. While Mercury has powerful players like Thomas, Sabally, and Akoa Makani, can Cardoso and Reese work their magic under the guidance of Tyler Marsh or are they really in for another brutal defeat? As the match inches closer by the hour, the win shouldn’t be that difficult for Sky. But given the current standings of Mercury, there is a lot at stake for both teams.

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