Can a date with the Reeling Chicago Sky Help the Washington Mystics Halt Their Own Struggles? Maybe. After all, the Mystics are entering the game with two consecutive losses, and a win could help them sweep the four-game season series against a depleted Sky team that has now dropped eight straight.
For the Mystics, who are vying for a playoff spot with a 13-15 record, the good news is that their opponent, Chicago (7-21), is in an even worse state. But don’t count the Sky out just yet. “This season isn’t over by any stretch and that should be enough to put forth the work ethic and drive to be teammates,” is what Tyler Marsh is saying. Could one of the youngest teams in the league be their opportunity to snap the losing streak?
Game Info:
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 5 at 8:00 p.m ET
Venue: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
Broadcast: Monumental Sports Network in the Mystics’ region; WNBA League Pass elsewhere
Injury Report
Honestly, it won’t be easy for the Sky to take down the Mystics—not when their own roster isn’t even at full strength.
Chicago Sky
Michaela Onyenwere
She is listed as day-to-day with a knee injury and is considered probable for the game against the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.
Hailey Van Lith
Van Lith is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. She has already missed three consecutive games with the same issue, before returning to play against Phoenix. According to the latest update, head coach Tyler Marsh noted she’s progressing, but not fully ready to return.
Ariel Atkins
Atkins exited the July 14 game against the Lynx due to a leg injury and has missed every game since—totaling at least seven straight absences. As of August 4, 2025, she remains questionable for the upcoming game against the Mystics, with no official return timeline provided.
Courtney Vandersloot
Vandersloot suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during the first quarter of the Sky’s June 7 game against the Indiana Fever. She collapsed while attempting a drive and had to be carried off the court. She has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Washington Mystics
Georgia Amoore
Amoore suffered a torn right ACL during training camp on April 29, 2025, and underwent successful surgery. She has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Sika Kone
Kone is not injured. She is currently out due to a contract suspension, temporarily suspended by the Mystics as of July 18, 2025 due to overseas commitment.
Probable Starting Line‑Ups
Here’s the probable starting lineups for Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky:
Washington Mystics
PG: Sug Sutton
SG: Sonia Citron
SF: Brittney Sykes
PF: Kiki Iriafen
C: Shakira Austin
Chicago Sky
PG: Rachel Banham
SG: Kia Nurse
SF: Michaela Onyenwere (questionable)
PF: Angel Reese (day‑to‑day/back) or Elizabeth Williams
C: Kamilla Cardoso
Prediction & Analysis
While the Mystics have been on a rollercoaster ride over the last month, they did go on a promising 6-2 stretch between June 22 and July 13. However, they’ve since dropped five of their last seven games, including a tough 99-83 loss to the Dream, where they blew an early double-digit lead.
And that collapse was largely due to a turnover-plagued second quarter in which the team committed 22 turnovers. But with rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron combining for 38 points in the loss, their consistency could help drive the team toward a win.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 09: Kamilla Cardoso #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates with Te-Hina Paopao #0 after her buzzer beater three point basket to win their game against the Tennessee Lady Vols during the semifinals of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 09, 2024 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the Sky are spiraling even further, having dropped eight straight games, failing to find the win column since their shocking upset over the Lynx on July 11. One of their major issues has been offensive struggles. In Sunday’s 83-67 loss to the Mercury, they shot just 37.1% from the field and went 5-of-20 from three-point range.
What’s even more concerning is their transition defense, having given up 30 fast-break points to the Mercury. And let’s not forget the injuries. Ariel Atkins could miss her eighth straight game, while Angel Reese is doubtful with a back injury. The young forward has been leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists, taking on multiple roles. Her return could be the key if the Sky want to put a weight on ESPN’s prediction– 52.8% chance to win!
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