WNBA Game Preview: Chicago Sky (8-23) vs. Connecticut Sun (5-25)

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Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
Broadcast: NBC Sports Boston, NBC Connecticut, WNBA League Pass

Two struggling Eastern Conference teams meet in a pivotal late-season clash as the Chicago Sky visit the Connecticut Sun. Both franchises are looking to snap losing streaks and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the 2025 WNBA season.

Team Records & Recent Form

TeamRecordLast 5 GamesConference Rank
Chicago Sky8-23L-L-W-L-L5th (East)
Connecticut Sun5-26L-L-L-L-L6th (East)

The Sky won the first meeting this season on June 15, 78–66, behind a breakout performance from Hailey Van Lith and a dominant bench effort (36–2 scoring edge).

The Sun are riding a five-game losing streak, most recently falling to Golden State 74–57.

Key Players to Watch

Chicago Sky

Kamilla Cardoso – 12.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG
Physical presence in the paint; needs to be more aggressive offensively.

Rachel Banham – 11.6 PPG over last 10 games
Reliable perimeter shooter; averaging 2.4 made threes per game.

Hailey Van Lith – Spark plug off the bench; scored career-high 16 vs. Sun in June.

Angel ReeseOut with back injury
Leads team in points, rebounds, and assists; her absence is a major factor.

Connecticut Sun

Tina Charles – 15.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG
Veteran anchor; still producing at a high level.

Marina Mabrey – 15.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG
Streaky shooter; went 1-for-7 in last outing but scored 22 vs. Sky in June.

Aneesah Morrow – 13 points, 14 rebounds vs. Golden State
Rookie showing promise; key to second-chance scoring.

Bria Hartley – 9.7 PPG, 3.1 APG
Veteran guard stepping up amid injuries at the point.

Tactical Breakdown

Chicago Sky – Keys to Victory

Limit turnovers (averaging 16.8 per game)

Control the glass – 36.1 RPG (2nd in WNBA)

Perimeter defense – must contest Mabrey and Hartley from deep

Bench scoring – replicate June’s depth advantage

Connecticut Sun – Keys to Victory

Rebound battle – 31.2 RPG; need more second-chance points

Tina Charles post touches – exploit Sky’s interior defense

Three-point efficiency – 38.7% vs. Golden State; must sustain

Home court energy – 4–11 at Mohegan Sun Arena this season

GAME ODDS

Chicago Sky                        157.5

Connecticut Sun               – 1.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, August 12, 2025

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WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.