The Chicago Sky head to Barclays Center on Thursday night to take on the New York Liberty in a 7:00 PM EDT showdown, streaming exclusively on Prime Video. The Liberty, with a stellar 27-7 record, are heavy 13.5-point favorites, and for good reason—they’re the defending champs and a juggernaut at home. The Sky, sitting at 12-22, are scrapping for a playoff spot, leaning on their young stars to keep up with New York’s firepower. With tickets starting at $29 and an over/under set at 165.5 points, this “Noche Latina” game promises a lively atmosphere and plenty of action.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Dana Evans keeps the Sky’s offense moving with her quickness and playmaking, but she’ll face a tough test against New York’s smothering defense. Sabrina Ionescu runs the show for the Liberty, a triple-double threat who’s averaging 19.2 points and 6.3 assists, lighting up defenses with her range.
Shooting Guard – Chennedy Carter brings explosive scoring off the bench or as a starter for Chicago, capable of going for 20+ on any night. Courtney Vandersloot, a former Sky star, now anchors New York’s backcourt with her veteran savvy and knack for clutch plays.
Small Forward – Angel Reese, often slotted at the wing, is Chicago’s rebounding machine, averaging 12.1 points and a league-leading 13.1 rebounds. Breanna Stewart, the Liberty’s MVP, dominates on both ends, dropping 20.8 points per game with elite versatility.
Power Forward – Kamilla Cardoso gives the Sky size and defensive presence, though she’s still finding her offensive rhythm. Jonquel Jones, New York’s 2024 Finals MVP, is a matchup nightmare with her 15.4 points and 9.2 rebounds, stretching the floor and protecting the rim.
Center – Elizabeth Williams anchors Chicago’s paint, battling for boards and clogging the lane. Kayla Thornton rounds out New York’s frontcourt, a hustle player who chips in with timely buckets and tough defense.
Game Outlook
The Liberty are a well-oiled machine, leading the WNBA in offensive efficiency (104.2 points per 100 possessions) and ranking second in defense (78.9 PPG allowed). Chicago’s got heart, but their 10th-ranked offense (79.8 PPG) and inconsistent defense (82.6 PPG allowed) make this a tough matchup. The Sky dropped two of three games to New York this season, including a 91-76 loss in June. Expect the Liberty to lean on Stewart and Ionescu to control the tempo, while Chicago relies on Reese’s rebounding and Carter’s scoring bursts to stay competitive. Both teams play at a top-six pace, but New York’s depth and home-court dominance (15-2 at Barclays) should overwhelm the Sky unless Chicago’s shooters catch fire.
Best Bets
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- New York Liberty -13.5 – The Liberty’s elite offense and home dominance make them a strong bet to cover this big spread against a struggling Sky team.
- Over 165.5 Total Points – New York’s high-octane offense and Chicago’s fast pace should push this game past the total, especially if the Sky’s shooters keep it close early.
- Angel Reese Over 12.5 Rebounds – Reese’s league-leading rebounding average makes her a safe bet to hit this mark, even against New York’s tough frontcourt.
Final Score Prediction
New York Liberty 92 – Chicago Sky 77
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