Angel Reese sidelined for Wednesday’s game, Atkins also out

Sky forward Angel Reese will not play Wednesday against the Dream.

She has been managing leg discomfort in recent weeks. The issue dates to late June — she was listed as questionable June 22 in Atlanta, the day after the Sky’s home game against the Mercury — but she has played every game since.

“We’re managing it day by day,” coach Tyler Marsh said -before the game Saturday against the Lynx when asked about Reese’s leg.

Reese has been averaging 35 minutes per game in her last eight, up meaningfully from the early part of the season, when she was hovering closer to 30.

Starting center Kamilla Cardoso was away on national-team duty during much of that stretch, which meant Reese had to pick up some of the slack. She was also on a tear — averaging 19 points and 14.4 rebounds — and playing like the Sky’s most indispensable piece.

Even now that Cardoso is back, Marsh said managing Reese’s minutes is still a challenge.

“We want her to be as healthy as possible, but we also need her out there,” Marsh said Saturday. “Being able to find that balance of when we can spell her some minutes is important.”

Reese scored 22 points in the loss Monday to the Lynx but appeared less energetic than usual.

The Sky’s leading scorer, Ariel Atkins, also will be out Wednesday with a leg injury.

After a 27-point performance in Saturday’s win against the Lynx, she exited Monday’s rematch, and Marsh said she was still being evaluated.

The WNBA All-Star Game is Saturday in Indianapolis.

Reese is slated to play as a reserve. If she can’t participate, the league will name a replacement.

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