Is Kamilla Cardoso playing tonight against Atlanta Dream? Closer look at Sky center's status (Sept. 17)

Chicago Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso is back on the injury report and will miss the clash against the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday due to a shoulder problem.

Chicago will also be without leading scorer Chennedy Carter due to a foot injury.

Cardoso, who missed the first three weeks of her rookie year, reaggravated the ailment in the Sky's 93-88 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.

Cardoso exited the game after nine minutes and didn't return. She was on the injury report citing the same shoulder issue before the contest but played regardless.

Her absence will be a big blow to Chicago, which is in a thrilling three-way battle with the Dream and the Washington Mystics for the final playoff spot. All three teams are 13-25 with two games left.

The Sky are ninth in the standings, losing their tie-breaker to the Dream. Their next contest is against the formidable Connecticut Sun, who will be the overwhelming favorites to win that clash if they deploy a healthy roster.

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Kamilla Cardoso hit her stride after recovering from shoulder injury

Kamilla Cardoso experienced a shaky start to her WNBA career. The No. 3 pick took time to find her groove after returning from a major injury for the first time in her career. She averaged 8.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, shooting 46.2% and 62.2% from the free-throw line in her first 18 games.

With the All-Star and Olympic break giving her enough time to heal, Cardoso returned with impeccable production, averaging 13.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 12 outings before Sunday's game against the Mercury. She shot 58.4% and 80.9% from the free-throw line.

With Angel Reese sidelined, Kamilla Cardoso had the chance to showcase her talents as the sole operator in the post. However, injury issues continue to hold the former South Carolina prospect back, and fans could have seen the last of her this season.