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Angel Reese’s much-awaited WNBA debut with the Chicago Sky will happen on Wednesday when new coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s team takes on the Dallas Wings. The self-proclaimed “Chi Barbie” will join Chicago’s veteran core of Diamond DeShields, Dana Evans and Elizabeth Williams leading the Sky. Kamilla Cardoso, another highly-touted rookie will be in street clothes as she is dealing with a shoulder injury.
While the hoopla might be around Reese, the Wings are silently looking forward to giving them a rude welcome. Dallas lost to eventual champions Las Vegas in last season's playoffs but largely retained the team that made a deep run. Forward Satou Sabally, also dealing with a shoulder injury, is out but Arike Ogunbowale, Natasha Howard and lottery pick Jacy Sheldon are ready.
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The Chicago Sky looked good in their second preseason game when they drubbed the New York Liberty 101-53 on Tuesday. Weatherspoon’s team looked sharp but the real test will arrive soon enough at the College Park Center. Unlike the Liberty, who seemed to go through the motions, the Dallas Wings will not hold back.
Chicago Sky vs Dallas Wings: Preview, starting lineup and prediction
College Park Center in Arlington, Texas will host the season opener of the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings. Bally Sports Southwest and “The U” will air the game, which can also be streamed by subscribing to the WNBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Sky (+375) vs. Wings (-500)
Spread: Sky (+9.5) vs. Wings (-9.5)
Total (O/U): Sky (o161.0 -110) vs. Wings (u161.0 -110)
Chicago Sky vs Dallas Wings: Game preview
The Chicago Sky’s rebuild has looked good on paper. Teresa Weatherspoon has formed an exciting group with a nice blend of youth and experience. The Hall of Famer has her team ready for their debut on Wednesday.
The Sky are expected to be a good rebounding team, particularly when Cardoso plays. But, the Wings will be one of the teams who could dominate them on the boards. If Chicago finds it hard to overcome Dallas’ size advantage, it could be off to a disappointing start.
The Dallas Wings have two 6-foot-7 centers who will patrol the paint. If the two can make it tough for Chicago to score inside, the hosts will have the advantage. Angel Reese and Brianna Turner, both 6-foot-3, will have their work cut out for them.
Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard will look to lead the Wings’ offensive onslaught in front of their home fans.
Chicago Sky vs Dallas Wings: Starting lineups, subs and rotation
C - Elizabeth Williams, F - Angel Reese, F - Diamond DeShields, G - Marina Mabrey and G - Dana Evans could start for the Chicago Sky.
Teresa Weatherspoon could send in Brianna Turner early to help battle Dallas’ size.
C - Teaira McCowan, F - Natasha Howard, F - Maddy Siegrist, G - Arike Ogunbowale and G - Jacy Sheldon could open the game for the Dallas Wings
Kalani Brown or Lou Lopez Senechal could be the first reserve to relieve one of the starters.
Chicago Sky vs Dallas Wings: Prediction
The Wings are looking to contend for the championship while the Sky are in the initial stages of a rebuild. Dallas is in front of its home fans and will likely open the season with a win. Expect the Wings to give Angel Reese her first loss in the WNBA and prevent the Sky from covering the +9.0 spread.
