The Chicago Sky continue their impressive start to the new season on Saturday when they take on the Minnesota Lynx. It will be the second time the two teams face each other within a week, with the Sky winning the previous meeting 86-79.
It will also be Chicago’s second home game of the season, with the team still seeking its first home win. As for the Lynx, this will mark their third road game of the campaign, and they have won both of their previous road contests. In the overall head-to-head matchup, Minnesota holds a 34-23 advantage over Chicago.
The Sky have certainly been one of the surprise teams to start the 2026 season. A major roster overhaul opened the door for new opportunities, and through five games, the team has delivered some positive results.
Chicago opened its first four games of the season on the road, posting a 3-1 record before dropping its home opener 99-89 to the Dallas Wings. Kamilla Cardoso led the way with a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Natasha Cloud added 21 points and eight rebounds. Skylar Diggins, Rachel Banham and rookie Gabriela Jaquez also scored in double figures.
Losing Rickea Jackson to a season-ending ACL injury was a tough pill to swallow for Chicago, and that impact was evident in the loss. However, the Sky still boast one of the strongest defensive groups in the league. From rookie Gabriela Jaquez to free-agency addition Skylar Diggins, along with Jacy Sheldon and veteran Azura Stevens, Chicago has enough depth to survive without Jackson.
Sky coach Tyler Marsh will continue to rely on the players who have delivered so far, but the Minnesota Lynx also have their share of injuries while still featuring accomplished veterans. It will now be up to Chicago to prove it can handle Jackson’s absence and remain a competitive squad.
The Lynx got back in the win column Thursday night with a dominant 100-72 victory over the Toronto Tempo in a strong team performance. Maya Caldwell led the team with 16 points off the bench, while Courtney Williams added 15 points and Olivia Miles chipped in 14. Natasha Cloud and Kayla McBride combined for 26 points.
It was a step in the right direction for Minnesota, which looked sharp both offensively and defensively. The win was the team’s first at home this season after dropping its previous two contests there, and the Lynx will hope to replicate that performance tonight.
Minnesota’s overall depth is being tested without Napheesa Collier, and nothing short of a complete team effort will keep them in the win column. Still, the Lynx have enough talent to remain highly competitive.
Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky Injury Reports
Minnesota Lynx Injury Report
The Lynx’s depth on defense took another hit last week as rookie center Emma Cechova suffered a season-ending ACL injury. She remains sidelined alongside Dorka Juhasz, who is dealing with a foot injury, and Napheesa Collier, who is nursing an ankle injury.
Chicago Sky Injury Report
As for the Sky, amid the mounding injury concerns, they received a positive update with Azura Stevens expected to make her season debut on Saturday. She has missed the opening games due to a knee injury.
While Stevens’ status will become clearer closer to tipoff, DiJonai Carrington (foot) and Courtney Vandersloot (knee) remain sidelined. Rickea Jackson is also out with a season-ending ACL injury.
Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky Starting Lineups
Minnesota Lynx Starting Lineup
PG: Olivia Miles, SG: Kayla McBride, SF: Courtney Williams, PF: Nia Coffey, C: Natasha Howard
Chicago Sky Starting Lineups
PG: Natasha Cloud, SG: Skylar Diggins, SF: Jacy Sheldon, PF: Gabriela Jaquez, C: Kamilla Cardoso
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