The Chicago Sky are in Phoenix tonight to take on the Mercury for the first time this season. The Sky are coming off a 69-63 win over the Golden State Valkyries, while the Mercury are coming off an 88-84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx and will look to avoid a third straight defeat.
There’s always a team nobody had on their bingo card for an early-season glow-up, and the Sky seem to fit the bill, even if it’s still early, especially considering the type of offseason they had, including losing Angel Reese. They have now won two straight games, and another victory would mark the franchise’s best start since 2014, when they reached the WNBA Finals.
The Sky are now 2-0 and have looked like the better team in both wins. They’ve built a strong roster with a mix of young talent and veteran presence, while also getting solid production off the bench. The team also appears fully bought into head coach Tyler Marsh and his staff.
Kamilla Cardoso, Skylar Diggins and Rickea Jackson combined for 62 points in the 98-83 season-opening win over the Portland Fire. The same trio combined for 41 points in the 69-63 win over the Valkyries. Jacy Sheldon, late veteran free-agent signing Natasha Cloud, and rookie Gabriela Jaquez have also continued to impress with stellar performances.
Meanwhile, the Mercury enter tonight’s matchup struggling after back-to-back losses to the Valkyries and Lynx. However, they did open the season with a statement win over the Las Vegas Aces, beating them by 33 points, which adds pressure to quickly turn things around.
Jovana Nogic, who made an immediate impact for the Mercury in the first two games, had an off night against the Lynx, scoring just two points in 17 minutes while shooting 0-for-6 from the field. Kahleah Copper scored a team-high 30 points in the loss.
The two home defeats have exposed some defensive issues for Phoenix, but fortunately for them, the season is still very young and they will look to bounce back on Friday.
Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury Injury Reports
Chicago Sky Injury Report
The Sky remain without DiJonai Carrington (foot), Azurá Stevens (knee), and Courtney Vandersloot (knee). This will be the third straight game they will miss.
Phoenix Mercury Injury Report
The Mercury will be missing some key players. Sami Whitcomb is out following knee arthroscopy, and Monique Akoa Makani is also out due to overseas commitments.
Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury Starting Lineups
Chicago Sky Starting Lineup
PG: Skylar Diggins, SG: Jacy Sheldon, SF: Rickea Jackson, PF: Gabriela Jaquez, C: Kamilla Cardoso
Phoenix Mercury Starting Lineup
PG: Alyssa Thomas , SG: Kahleah Copper, SF: Jovana Nogic, PF Natasha Mack, C DeWanna Bonner
How to watch Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury?
The Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury matchup is one of four games scheduled for Friday. The game tips off at 10 p.m. at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. It will be shown live on ION and streamed on WNBA League Pass.
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