Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark were both ruled out before the highly anticipated game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky on Sunday at Wintrust Arena. Reese’s injury status was downgraded to out just an hour before the tip-off, removing her from the special Barbie Night Game, a joint event between the Chicago Sky and Mattel.
Fan Reactions Question Reese’s Absence
Reese’s last-minute withdrawal stirred controversy on social media, where several fans suggested she was intentionally avoiding playing against the Fever. Comments accusing her of dodging the matchup quickly circulated after she was confirmed out.
“Ducking that fever belt. Wouldn’t have mattered anyway,” one fan said. —fan
“Ducking the Fever since she don’t wanna get that 6th L,” another fan added. —fan
Injury Status and Game Impact
Despite the speculation, Reese’s absence aligns with her earlier status as questionable due to a persistent back injury that kept her out of the Chicago Sky’s prior game against the Seattle Storm. This marked only her third missed game in the 2025 season, with the Sky having lost the previous two contests without her.
With Clark already sidelined, the Indiana Fever maintain an advantage, holding a 5-7 record even without their star player. This positions the Fever strongly to continue their winning momentum in Sunday’s matchup.
Implications for Team Standings and Future Games
The absence of key players like Reese and Clark could affect the dynamics of the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever rivalry moving forward. The Sky will need to adjust their strategy to compensate for these injuries, while the Fever enter the game with a stronger winning record in these circumstances. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how these absences influence the competitive balance in upcoming matchups.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a video shared on her TikTok account Sunday night, Reese explained, “When I got the and-1, I fell backward and landed on my hand. It caused a small crack in my bone.” She added, “Doctors gave me two options: to either skip surgery or undergo surgery.”
Q. Why did McDonald’s partner with Angel Reese?
A. This collaboration aims to honor excellence by featuring McDonald’s first nationwide meal partnership with a female athlete and highlighting future rising stars.
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Angel Reese couldn’t play against Seattle on Thursday because of an injury. Right before the game, the Sky decided she should sit out due to a back problem. It’s not certain when Reese hurt her back.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball is a family tradition for Angel. Her parents played the sport during their college years. Angel’s mother even played professionally in Luxembourg. In January 2023, Angel shared with Just Women’s Sports, “She’s always been independent and passed that trait to me.”