Chicago Sky Make Decision on Two-Time WNBA All-Star

Chicago Sky Make Decision on Two-Time WNBA All-Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Sky snapped their eight-game losing streak on Tuesday, defeating the Washington Mystics without Angel Reese. A major factor in the win was the return of Ariel Atkins, who had been sidelined since July 14 with a leg injury.

On Thursday, the Sky will have a chance to make it two in a row when they host the Atlanta Dream. And Chicago will be shorthanded once again, missing Reese for the fourth straight game.

Ariel Atkins Placed on Minutes Restriction Again

In Tuesday's win over the Mystics, Atkins tallied 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting and five assists in 24 minutes. But coach Tyler Marsh elected to put her on a minutes restriction, easing her back in from the injury.

Going into Thursday's game against the Dream, Atkins was initially ruled as questionable, but has since been made available. However, Coach Marsh said the two-time WNBA All-Star will remain on a minutes restriction.

"Ariel Atkins will be on a minutes restriction again today," WNBA reporter Karli Bell wrote on X. "Angel Reese is still listed day-to-day."

Ariel Atkins Has Been A Big Boost For The Sky

Atkins her college career with the Texas Longhorns, Atkins was selected with the No. 7 pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Mystics. Spending her first seven seasons in the nation's capital, Atkins earned five All-Defensive team nods and even helped Washington win its first and only championship.

Atkins was traded to the Sky in February in exchange for the 2025 No. 3 overall pick, a 2027 second-round pick and the rights to swap first-round picks in 2027. She earned a starting spot with Chicago immediately and has been a solid addition. Through 22 games played, Atkins is averaging 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and a team-leading 1.9 steals per game.

Following the Dream game, the Sky will be back in action on Saturday, facing the Indiana Fever for the fourth time in 2025. At the time of this article, it is unclear whether Reese or Caitlin Clark will be able to play.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.