Angel Reese’s back has been bothering her again, and it couldn’t come at a worse time.
The Chicago Sky forward, already dealing with the fallout from her controversial comments about the team’s disappointing season, faces another game on the sidelines as her injury issues continue to mount.
Will Angel Reese Play Against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday?
Reese remains questionable for Tuesday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces after sitting out Sunday’s game with back problems. The second-year forward had previously missed 10 games this season due to the same issue, and the injury has flared up once again just as Chicago’s season winds down.
Per WNBA Underdog, Reese was listed as questionable ahead of the team’s clash against Vegas. “Angel Reese (back) questionable for Tuesday,” the tweet read.
Angel Reese (back) questionable for Tuesday.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) September 9, 2025
The timing makes this a particularly complicated situation for Chicago. Reese was also suspended for the first half of Sunday’s game against the Aces following “statements detrimental to the team,” adding another layer to her absence from the court.
Chicago head coach Tyler Marsh provided an update on his star forward’s status, revealing that her availability remains day-to-day. “She reported it to us during pre-game, and so in conjunction with the medical staff, we wanted to be as cautious as possible,” Marsh said.
Despite Reese’s eagerness to play, the Sky coaching staff is likely to make a game-time decision rather than risk further injury. With Chicago already eliminated from playoff contention, the logical approach would be to prioritize Reese’s long-term health over a meaningless late-season game.
Why Did Angel Reese’s Comments Create Such Controversy for the Sky?
The back injury situation follows significant criticism directed at Reese following her blunt assessment of the Sky’s disappointing 2025 campaign. Angel Reese found herself in hot water after calling out her team’s performance in a candid interview with The Chicago Tribune.
“I’m not settling for the same shit we did this year,” Reese remarked. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.” She also hinted at a potential move, further adding fuel to the controversial statement.
The comments sparked immediate backlash, prompting Reese to issue an apology. She later said her remarks “were taken out of context,” but the damage to team chemistry had already been done. The suspension for “statements detrimental to the team” appears to be directly connected to this incident.
The frustration is understandable given the Sky’s recent struggles. Chicago now misses the postseason for the second consecutive season with Reese on the roster. The franchise last won the WNBA title in 2021 but has struggled to maintain that success. While they did make the semifinals in 2022, they suffered a disappointing first-round exit and two regular-season exits in subsequent years.
What Has Reese Accomplished Despite Chicago’s Struggles This Season?
Individual excellence hasn’t been the problem for Reese, who has continued her impressive play even as the team has faltered around her. At the time of writing, she averages 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 30 appearances this season.
Her consistency has been remarkable despite the team’s struggles. Reese’s last five games saw her record five double-double performances, showcasing the kind of production that makes her frustration with the team’s overall performance completely understandable.
However, even those stellar individual numbers weren’t enough to lift Chicago into playoff contention. The Sky’s inability to surround Reese with adequate talent has become a recurring theme, one that clearly weighs heavily on the young star’s mind.
As Tuesday’s game approaches, the Sky face the reality of another lost season. Whether Reese takes the court or not, the bigger questions about Chicago’s direction and her future with the franchise remain unanswered.
