Sevgi

Uzun

Allen moved into the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game, making her first start since August 3. While she struggled with her shot, the veteran forward finished with a complete stat line. Sevgi Uzun, who started Sunday’s loss to the Aces, played 16 minutes off the bench and finished with four points (2-of-4 FGs), two assists and one steal. Whether either player starts Thursday’s season finale depends on the availability of Ariel Atkins, who has missed the last two games with a back injury.

With Angel Reese (back) still out, there is only one change to the lineup that started Sunday’s loss to Las Vegas. Allen moves into the starting five, with Sevgi Uzun being bumped to the bench. In addition to Reese, Chicago remains without Ariel Atkins, so Allen is starting alongside Banham on the perimeter.

Uzun made her third start of the season on Sunday and set a couple of season-highs against the Aces. On 44.4 percent shooting, she reached double figures in points for the first time all season and concluded as one of five Chicago players to score at least 10 points. She also utilized a strong third quarter, when she tallied three dimes, to set a new season-high in assists. The status of injured Ariel Atkins (back) for Tuesday’s rematch against Las Vegas could impact Uzun’s role and playing time going forward.

Due to a lingering ankle injury, Van Lith has been ruled out for a third consecutive game. The Sky have primarily relied on Sevgi Uzun to handle the backup point guard responsibilities, even when Van Lith is healthy, so nothing changes there. Chicago will only have three games remaining on its schedule after Friday, so it’s fair to wonder if the team will eventually decide to shut down Van Lith.

After coming off the bench for Chicago’s last two games, Onyenwere returned to the starting lineup on Tuesday. Unfortunately, she could not offer much value, missing all four of her shot attempts and playing 20 minutes. Sevgi Uzun, who moved to the bench, played 25 minutes off the bench against the Storm, finishing with seven points, one rebound, four assists, one steal and one three-pointer. Even if Onyenwere were to remain a starter moving forward, there is not much upside in fantasy basketball.

Playing in a game for the first time since July 29, Reese will be in the starting lineup on Tuesday. However, Sky head coach Tyler Marsh said during his pregame availability that the second-year forward’s minutes will be restricted, so Elizabeth Williams won’t lack opportunities off the bench. The other change is Onyenwere, who moves into the starting lineup with Sevgi Uzun dropping to the bench.

The Sky’s most efficient and effective offense on Friday night was when it was run right through Cardoso. Sky guards in Sevgi Uzun and Hailey Van Lith either founder her posted up on mismatches or took advantage of her speed when she rolls on some pick-and-roll actions. Front court partner Elizabeth Williams found Cardoso on high-low passes for two of her four assists. Also, Cardoso was the Sky’s most effective playmaker. She registered five total assists, her season high. She created scores for four different teammates including Uzun, Williams Ariel Atkins and Rachel Banham. She set screens for Uzun and Banham while she found Williams and Atkins when they had advantageous driving lanes.

All but one of Banham’s made field goals came on assists from forwards or centers. Elizabeth Williams, Kamilla Cardoso and Michaela Onyenwere all found Banham for open shots via an extra pass or on a dribble handoff. In each of Banham’s last four games including Friday night, she’s not only hit double-digit scoring but she’s also hit three three-pointers. Also, in two straight games Banham has had exactly two assists and five rebounds. Her two assists were on a drive-and-kick to Sevgi Uzun and then to Ariel Atkins who had an open driving lane to the paint.

The Sky have made a change to the lineup that began Saturday’s loss to the Fever, with Uzun replacing Michaela Onyenwere. Uzun, who made her Sky debut on July 29, will make her first start in a Chicago uniform. Onyenwere’s fantasy prospects take a hit with the move to the bench, but she was not the most reliable asset when allowed to start. Also of note is that Atkins is available after initially being listed as probable for Wednesday’s game.

Van Lith played a few minutes at the end of Thursday’s loss to the Dream, but the rookie struggled with an ankle injury after the All-Star break. Her availability will not significantly impact Chicago’s rotation, as the Sky have relied on Rachel Banham and Sevgi Uzun to run the point.