The Golden State Valkyries return to their home floor Wednesday night, welcoming the Chicago Sky for an interconference showdown.
While Golden State will look to maintain its strong form, Chicago enters the contest dealing with several important absences.
Chicago Sky injury report
The Sky have three players listed on their injury report, with Sydney Taylor and Skylar Diggins among those unavailable. Taylor has been ruled out because of a left groin injury, forcing her to miss her fourth straight game.
Why isn’t Diggins playing?
Diggins is sidelined as she continues to recover from a right knee injury that has kept her out since July 7. The veteran guard has appeared in 19 games this season and is averaging 14.2 points per contest.
Chicago will also be without Rickea Jackson for the rest of the campaign after the forward suffered a torn ACL.
When will Diggins return?
Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh offered a positive update on Skylar Diggins’ recovery Wednesday, revealing that the veteran guard remained in Chicago to continue her rehabilitation rather than traveling with the team.
Marsh said the 36-year-old guard is making encouraging progress as she works her way back from the right knee injury that has kept her sidelined.
{{/usCountry}}Marsh said the 36-year-old guard is making encouraging progress as she works her way back from the right knee injury that has kept her sidelined.
{{/usCountry}}Addressing the possibility of ending Diggins’ season early, Marsh indicated that the Sky have not reached that point and are still focused on pushing forward during the remaining games.
“We aren't there yet and are still are committed and focused on trying to make as strong of a run as we can,” Marsh said.
Players unavailable for Valkyries
The Valkyries have injury concerns of their own, with three players appearing on their report, including Janelle Salaun and Kiah Stokes.
Carrington, Cardoso lead Chicago in last fight
Chicago comes into Wednesday’s matchup at 12-21 after dropping a road game against the Seattle Storm on Monday. DiJonai Carrington provided a major offensive spark in that defeat, scoring 26 points while adding six rebounds and five steals off the bench.
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Kamilla Cardoso also delivered a strong performance for Chicago, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Valkyries chase fifth straight
Golden State, meanwhile, has put together a much stronger campaign and enters the game with a 23-9 record. The Valkyries are coming off a road victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.
Cecelia Zandalasini led Golden State in that win with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Tiffany Hayes came off the bench to contribute 14 points and three rebounds.
The Valkyries will now aim to keep their momentum going and make it five consecutive victories when they take on the struggling Sky at home Wednesday night.