Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese’s status for the upcoming Unrivaled League playoffs remains unclear after she exited Monday’s regular-season finale with an apparent wrist injury.
Reese, playing for the Rose, seemed to be bothered by her surgically repaired left wrist late in the second quarter. She continued to grab at it before being subbed out early in the third and did not return to the game.
Following the Rose’s dominant 74-46 victory over the Vinyl, head coach Nola Henry did not provide an immediate update on Reese’s condition, according to Kendra Andrews of ESPN.
Entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed, the Rose will take on the No. 3 Laces on Sunday, while the No. 1 Lunar Owls face the No. 4 Vinyl in the other semifinal matchup.
Reese has been a crucial part of the Rose’s offense all season and played a key role in their victory over the Lunar Owls earlier this year—the only loss for South Carolina star Aliyah Boston’s squad. Her availability could significantly impact the Rose’s championship hopes.
The team has been one of the league’s top contenders, especially since February, with Chelsea Gray leading a high-powered offense. However, if Reese is sidelined, the Rose may face additional challenges against a well-rounded Laces squad.
“Any time there is money on the line, I think everyone ups the ante,” said Owls guard Courtney Williams. “We are going to come in, get after it, and we’re going to get this money.”
The Vinyl secured the final playoff spot Monday after the Mist fell 92-58 to the Lunar Owls. With their postseason berth clinched before tip-off, the Vinyl struggled in their evening matchup against the Rose, resulting in a lopsided defeat.
Boston acknowledged the emotional swings of the day.
“You have to focus on your game, but you can see exactly what’s happening before you go out there,” she said. “Now, all of our focus is on that (semifinal).”
Unrivaled’s inaugural playoffs begin Sunday, with official updates on Reese’s injury expected later this week.
