New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart will not play in Thursday night’s game against the Chicago Sky because of a knee injury. Stewart has been sidelined for the last 11 games as she recovers from a bone bruise, but she resumed practice this week and is aiming to return later this month. The Liberty remain heavy favorites at home in the latest DraftKings odds, so the team is taking precautions to get Stewart back at full strength.

Liberty’s Strong Home Record and Current Season Performance

The Liberty have been dominant on their home court this season, boasting a 14-4 record. This success has helped them stay near the top of the standings, recently reclaiming the No. 2 seed after a crucial victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday night. Despite Chicago’s struggles, with only eight wins this season, New York continues to prepare carefully before rushing Stewart back into action.

Increased Offensive Pressure on Sabrina Ionescu Amid Stewart’s Absence

With Stewart sidelined, Sabrina Ionescu has assumed a larger offensive role but has recently faced difficulties finding scoring consistency. Ionescu has failed to surpass 18.5 points in seven consecutive games and is shooting just 32.0 percent from the field and 28.9 percent beyond the arc during this stretch. She attempts nearly 14 shots per game but has not been able to overcome this slump.

Recommended Betting Strategy for Liberty’s Game Against Chicago

Experts suggest wagering against Ionescu exceeding 18.5 points in the upcoming game, given her ongoing slump and New York’s history of commanding wins over Chicago by large margins. Earlier in the season, the Liberty secured wins by 19 and 25 points against the Sky, and Ionescu scored above 18.5 points only once. If the Liberty build an early lead, they may limit her minutes in the final stages, further reducing her chances of hitting this mark.

What This Means for the Liberty Moving Forward

Breanna Stewart’s injury keeps her out of Thursday’s game but with signs of progress in recovery, the Liberty hope for her return soon to strengthen their lineup. Meanwhile, Sabrina Ionescu’s struggles reveal the depth challenges New York faces without their star forward. Bettors and fans alike will be watching closely as the Liberty seek to maintain their winning streak and solidify their position among the league’s top teams this season.

“Even though she made a huge 3-point to put away the Lynx on Tuesday night, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu is slumping in a big way at the moment.”

—Peter, Senior Editor