Venue: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Sky’s home arena).
Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. ET.
Broadcast options include WNBA League Pass, local Chicago (The U / CW26) and Washington (Monumental Sports Network / MNMT) feeds.
Current Rosters
Washington Mystics (head coach Sydney Johnson; 4th in East, playoff-qualified and fighting for seeding):
Guards: Sonia Citron (~16–17 PPG range recently, strong playmaking), Georgia Amoore, Lucy Olsen, Rori Harmon, Alicia Flórez, Cassandre Prosper.
Forwards/Centers: Shakira Austin (~16.8 PPG, strong rebounding), Kiki Iriafen (~9.4 RPG), Michaela Onyenwere, Cotie McMahon, Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalić, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Darianna Littlepage-Buggs.
Chicago Sky (head coach Tyler Marsh; 5th in East, eliminated from playoffs):
Guards: Natasha Cloud, Courtney Vandersloot (~5.2 APG), Rachel Banham, Jacy Sheldon, Sydney Taylor, Gabriela Jaquez, Aicha Coulibaly, Kate Martin.
Forwards/Centers: Rickea Jackson (~18 PPG when available), Kamilla Cardoso (~14.8 PPG / 8.7 RPG), Azura Stevens, Elizabeth Williams, DiJonai Carrington, Morgan Maly.
Injury/Availability Reports
Washington Mystics: No significant injuries listed in recent reports. Healthy and at full strength for the stretch run.
Chicago Sky:
Skylar Diggins: Out for season (knee).
Rickea Jackson: Out for season (knee; listed in some reports).
DiJonai Carrington: Day-to-day (foot; missed recent action).
Depth and backcourt options limited by these absences.
Expect Washington to roll out a balanced starting group featuring Citron, Austin, and Iriafen, while Chicago relies heavily on Cardoso in the paint and remaining available veterans like Cloud, Vandersloot, and Stevens.
Recent Team Forms
Washington Mystics (solid, playoff-focused): 6-4 in last 10; recent results include a competitive loss to the Sparks after strong wins over Phoenix and Portland. Averaging better efficiency (~86.5 PPG in recent stretch) with strong rebounding and interior presence. Fighting for higher seeding to improve playoff path.
Chicago Sky (struggling, season winding down): 4-6 in last 10; on a 3-game losing streak including a heavy loss at New York. Offense inconsistent (~82.5 PPG recently); poor Eastern Conference record (3-13). Playing for pride and development with key pieces sidelined.
Series History
Washington holds the recent edge. In their only 2026 meeting (June 2), the Mystics won 90-72 at home (Shakira Austin led with 17 points). Historical matchups have been competitive at times, but Washington’s current form and Chicago’s injuries favor the visitors in this second (and later return) meeting of the season.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Shakira Austin / Kiki Iriafen (Mystics interior, combined scoring + rebounding threat) vs. Kamilla Cardoso / Azura Stevens (Sky frontcourt): Battle for the paint and boards; Austin’s efficiency and Iriafen’s activity against Cardoso’s size and shot-blocking.
Sonia Citron (Mystics scoring/playmaking guard) vs. Natasha Cloud / Courtney Vandersloot (Sky backcourt): Perimeter creation and defensive pressure; Citron’s recent hot scoring (22 points in last outing) against Chicago’s veteran guards.
Michaela Onyenwere / Cotie McMahon (Mystics wings) vs. remaining Sky perimeter (Sheldon, Taylor, Banham): Secondary scoring and transition opportunities.
Secondary: Washington’s depth and rebounding advantage vs. Chicago’s need for contributions from role players amid absences of Diggins and Jackson.
Washington’s balance, health, and motivation create a clear edge, especially on the glass and in half-court execution.
Betting Trends
Washington has been the more consistent side recently and won the prior meeting by 18 points. Chicago’s home form is mixed, and key absences (Diggins, Jackson) weaken their offense and depth. Unders have shown value in some recent Sky home games and series trends. Washington is battle-tested for playoff seeding while Chicago is out of contention.
GAME ODDS
Washington Mystics – 3.5
Chicago Sky 167
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, September 16, 2026
