The Chicago Sky are gearing up to face the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night at Wintrust Arena, but the team is facing unexpected challenges. After losing four of their last five games, including two narrow defeats by a combined four points, the Sky’s situation became even more concerning when their Tuesday practice was abruptly canceled. According to Annie Costabile of The Chicago Sun-Times, the cancellation was due to multiple players feeling unwell.
“Sky practice was abruptly canceled on Tuesday morning due to multiple players feeling sick, according to the team,” Costabile reported on X. “They are scheduled to play the Mystics tomorrow at 7PM.”
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca later confirmed that the team is conducting COVID-19 testing and consulting with doctors for further guidance.
The team is testing for COVID-19, according to GM Jeff Pagliocca. https://t.co/qp7U4bXsCR
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) August 27, 2024
“We’re testing for COVID-19 and speaking with our doctors to hear what they would suggest progression-wise,” Pagliocca stated.
The news sparked immediate concern among fans, particularly regarding the health of Angel Reese and the rest of the Sky roster. Social media quickly filled with messages of support and worry.
“Prayers up to the players! Speedy recovery,” one fan wrote. Another questioned the implications if players tested positive, asking, “So what does this mean if they test positive, wouldn’t everyone have to quarantine???”
Some fans expressed frustration over potential lapses in protocol, particularly after the team’s return from the Paris Olympic qualifiers.
“Everyone should’ve got tested after Paris, like this is insane—bad protocols all around,” one fan commented.
Initial concerns centered on whether key players like Angel Reese or any starters were affected.
“Huh. The sick Chicago Sky players are getting tested for … you guessed it … the ‘rona. Hope that’s not it and they get better. There’s no way to ‘make up a game’ in the #WNBA,” a fan wrote.
Another fan lamented the Sky’s bad luck: “Catching a break is not in Chicago Sky vocabulary. Seriously though, I hope everyone is ok and can get back healthy—that’s the most important thing.”
Others speculated on which players might be ill, with one fan writing, “As long as it’s not Angel, Chennedy & Kamilla, we should be good.”
uh oh covid https://t.co/rwMJ2Lp9Az
— ROTY ANGEL REESE (@4ANGELREESE) August 27, 2024
The Sky are currently navigating a grueling stretch of four games in seven days. After Wednesday’s game against the Mystics, they will host the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday before concluding the homestand and heading to Minnesota.
aight so we losing thats that https://t.co/mprqFMmIHj
— L (@wbbwatcher123) August 27, 2024
https://t.co/oxOVcAFDJU pic.twitter.com/rjkVQZzjL2
— yanna♡︎ (@I1oveyb) August 27, 2024
game over. 💔 https://t.co/IhHMy4NvrF
— CLOSED (@aubreygriffins) August 27, 2024
The official injury report released on Tuesday afternoon added to the anxiety, listing Elizabeth Williams out with a knee injury and Chennedy Carter sidelined due to health and safety protocols. This development triggered another wave of reactions from Sky fans, particularly since Reese and other key players were not yet confirmed to have tested positive. Costabile also reported that several Sky players were seen wearing masks at the Sachs Recreation Center, following the advice of the medical staff.
With the Sky last playing against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday in Chicago, all eyes will be on the team as they navigate these health concerns in the coming days. The outcome of the upcoming games could be pivotal, not just for their playoff hopes but for the overall well-being of the team amidst these challenging circumstances.
