Angel Reese is poised to make a surprising return to the court on Tuesday as the Chicago Sky prepare to face the Seattle Storm. The veteran center has been sidelined with a back injury but is now showing strong signs of recovery, raising hopes for her involvement in the upcoming game. Reese’s return to court could provide a much-needed boost for the struggling Sky team.
Injury Recovery Progress and Coach’s Optimism
Reese’s back injury has kept her out since the Sky’s road game against the Washington Mystics on July 29. Despite this setback, head coach Tyler Marsh has been following her recovery closely. Ahead of a recent matchup against Golden State, Marsh spoke about Reese’s condition, indicating that she was making steady progress through individual workouts despite not participating in full team practices yet.
“She’s been progressing each day, doing more and more on-court stuff,”
Marsh said.
“I don’t think we’re too far away, but she’s progressing really well … She hasn’t practiced yet, but she’s present. She’s doing [individual] workouts. That’s what she’s maintaining.”
—Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky Head Coach
Encouraging Signs During Shootaround and Practice
On the morning of the game against Seattle, Reese attended the Sky’s shootaround, which was a positive indicator of her readiness. Coach Marsh shared his observations about Reese’s condition during both practice and shootaround, emphasizing the team’s optimistic outlook on her potential return.
“She looked good in practice yesterday, it continued on today. I think she came in today feeling pretty good at shootaround,”
Marsh stated.
“So spirits are high. I think that we’re hopeful. And we’ll have a game-time decision tonight, but it’s looking pretty good right now [that she’ll play].”
—Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky Head Coach
Angel Reese’s Season Performance and Current Team Standing
This season, Reese has participated in 23 games, averaging 32 minutes on the floor per contest. Her contributions have been significant, putting up averages of 14 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block. Her presence has been a key element for the Sky throughout the season.
The Sky currently hold a 12th place ranking with an 8-25 record, struggling to find consistency on the court. Reese’s absence has raised concerns about the impact on the team’s performance, with some speculating she might miss the remainder of the season. However, Coach Marsh emphasized the importance of medical guidance in any decisions regarding her playing status.
“I leave that to the medical staff,”
Marsh explained.
“For us and for Angel, if she is healthy, she wants to play. And we want her to be out there to be able to play. We just don’t want to put her in harm’s way to further any existing injury. For us, it’s just making sure she is as healthy as possible… With the games remaining, if she is ready to go, she will be out there.”
—Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky Head Coach
Looking Ahead to Tonight’s Matchup and Potential Impact
The game between the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm is scheduled to tip off at 8 PM ET, marking a critical moment for both teams. The Sky are eager to end a four-game losing streak, while the Storm aim to bounce back after a recent defeat. Reese’s potential return injects a hopeful edge for the Sky, as her skills and leadership on the court might be pivotal in shifting the team’s momentum.
Given Reese’s steady recovery and the coach’s optimism, her participation tonight would not only strengthen the Sky’s lineup but also boost team morale in a challenging season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if she takes the court and how her performance might influence the game’s outcome.