Saturday’s matchup between the host Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever could be without two of the top three picks from the 2024 WNBA Draft.
While Fever guard and No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark remains out with a quad injury, Sky center and No. 3 pick Kamilla Cardoso is dealing with shoulder soreness and recently was limited to non-contact participation in practice.
Sky coach Tyler Marsh said he doesn’t foresee Cardoso “to be in any jeopardy” for the game, however, adding that the team is “just trying to take precaution with it.”
Chicago has been idle since a May 31 victory at Dallas, which completed a home-and-home sweep of the Wings and gave the Sky (2-4) their first two victories of the season.
Ariel Atkins, acquired in an offseason trade with Washington, continued to shine, scoring a season-high 26 points on 8-for-14 shooting on May 31.
The Sky have asked the two-time All-Star to embrace a leadership role.
“I can be passive at times, and they’re really trying to get that out of me,” Atkins said. “I’m really excited because it’s pushing me to that next level of my game.”
Clark is among a string of injuries for the Fever frontcourt. Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham left a May 30 home loss to Connecticut, although Colson returned for Tuesday’s 85-76 victory against visiting Washington.
Kelsey Mitchell paced Indiana (3-4) with 24 points as the team also welcomed a boost from point guard Aari McDonald, an emergency hardship signing who tallied seven points, five assists and three steals in 27 minutes.
Fever coach Stephanie White lauded McDonald for her commitment, including watching game film during her flight to join the team, and studying plays she was unable to practice.
“Not everybody can do that,” White said. “That’s a point guard mindset. I thought she did a great job. She’s hungry, No. 1, and No. 2, she knows how to play.”
It is unclear if White will coach the Fever on Saturday. She missed Friday’s practice for personal reasons.
Assistant coach Austin Kelly will serve as head coach if White misses the game.
Indiana rolled past visiting Chicago 93-58 in the teams’ season opener on May 17 behind Clark’s 20-point, 10-assist, 10-rebound performance.
Angel Reese notched a double-double with 12 points and 17 rebounds for the Sky in that game.
Chicago will host Indiana again on July 27 before the teams conclude the season series with games in Indianapolis on Aug. 9 and Sept. 5.
–Field Level Media
