After snapping their eight-game losing streak with a 78-64 win over the Mystics, powered by Kamilla Cardoso’s seventh straight double-double, the Sky have finally found a glimmer of momentum. But as they prepare to host the surging Atlanta Dream, the challenge only intensifies.
That’s because Chicago has already dropped all three meetings to Atlanta this season, each by double digits—including a humbling 86-49 home loss on July 16, when they shot just 25.4% from the field with Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins sidelined. And while Reese’s availability remains uncertain for Thursday, Atkins is still optimistic as she shared, “We just have to keep fighting… There’s no point in fighting the whole season to give up now,” in a recent press conference.
But still, Chicago is up against a Dream squad that has won five of its last six and is riding a three-game win streak despite missing both Howard and Griner. “Our players have been pretty locked into what we want to accomplish,” Dream HC noted. So, with Atlanta shooting 56.3% and scoring at least 90 points in four of their last six games, can the Sky finally break through and beat Atlanta?
Where to Watch
Date & Time: 5:30 a.m. ET on August 7, 2025
Streaming / TV: Amazon Prime Video, Peachtree TV, and The U
Injury Report
Well, no battle is fought or won without healthy soldiers—but you’ve still got to keep moving forward, right? Here’s the twist: both teams have the same number of players listed as out or questionable for the upcoming game!
Chicago Sky
Ariel Atkins (Guard)
Atkins is dealing with a leg injury and is currently listed as questionable for the August 7 game. However, she’s expected to be cleared and ready to go by tip-off.
Hailey Van Lith (Guard)
Van Lith recently picked up an ankle injury. While she’s considered day-to-day, signs point to her being probable for the upcoming game on August 7.
Michaela Onyenwere (Forward)
Onyenwere has been nursing a knee/lower leg issue, but she’s also listed as probable and should be ready to hit the floor on August 7.
Angel Reese (Forward)
Reese has been sidelined since July 29 due to a back strain. While there’s no firm timeline for her return, sources suggest she could return as early as August 9, though that remains speculative. Coach Tyler Marsh confirmed she’s still day-to-day and has no concrete timetable.
Courtney Vandersloot (Guard)
Unfortunately, Vandersloot won’t be suiting up this season as she underwent ACL surgery in June. She’s officially ruled out for the 2025 season, with a projected comeback targeted for May 1, 2026, pending full recovery and medical clearance.
Atlanta Dream
Taylor Thierry (Forward)
Thierry is dealing with a left ankle injury after rolling it during a game. She couldn’t put any weight on it and didn’t return to the court, not even for free throws. She’s listed as day-to-day, and while she’s expected to be available by August 7, her minutes may be limited given her rookie status.
Brittney Griner (Center)
Griner is listed with a neck issue and remains doubtful for the August 7 matchup. Her return is possible by that date, but only if she clears all medical checks.
Rhyne Howard (Guard)
Howard remains out indefinitely with a knee injury and is doubtful for August 7. There’s no confirmed timeline for her return at this point.
Maya Caldwell (Guard)
Caldwell is currently away from the team for personal reasons, not an injury. She’s expected to return around August 10 and should be available shortly after.
Probable Starting Lineups
So, who’ll get to play then?
Chicago Sky
Kia Nurse
Michaela Onyenwere (if available)
Elizabeth Williams
Kamilla Cardoso
Rachel Banham
Atlanta Dream
Allisha Gray
Jordin Canada
Naz Hamilton
TeHina Paopao
Brionna Jones
Prediction
Well, Thursday’s clash between the Dream and Sky sets up an intriguing matchup of momentum and adversity, with both teams coming off wins but navigating through injury concerns. While Atlanta enters on a three-game winning streak, even without key players like Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner, Chicago comes up after snapping an eight-game skid with a convincing win over Washington.
So while statistically, the Dream have the edge on both ends of the floor, averaging 84.6 points per game while allowing 79.0, compared to the Sky’s 76.4 points per game and a league-worst -9.8 point differential. Yet, the Sky have shown they can be disruptive, especially when Ariel Atkins and Michaela Onyenwere are active.
Jun 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) shoots against Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2), guard Ariel Atkins (7) and center Elizabeth Williams (1) during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Yes, they can join the lineup as both of them are probable. With players like Rachel Banham contributing from beyond the arc and Cardoso posting consistent double-doubles, the Sky could make this more competitive than expected.
However, according to ESPN, Atlanta has a 71.2% chance of winning the game. And, all this makes sense, considering the Dream had already won their last three outings against the Sky. But we already know Angel Reese and co., and they’re underdogs. So anything could happen!
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