New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky Picks and Predictions August 21st 2025

Angel Reese Returns as Sky Look to Snap Skid Against Title Contenders

The Chicago Sky travel to Brooklyn to face the surging New York Liberty on Thursday night, looking to stop a five-game losing streak and get a boost from the return of star forward Angel Reese. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET at Barclays Center.

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The Liberty are 2-0 against Chicago this season, winning both games in dominant fashion — 99-74 in May and 85-66 in June. Despite missing All-Star Breanna Stewart, New York continues to thrive behind strong performances from Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu.

Opening Odds:

• Liberty Moneyline: -700
• Sky Moneyline: +500
• Spread: Liberty -12.5
• Total: 160.5 (O/U: -110/-110)

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The Sky Can Win If…

Angel Reese plays like a two-time All-Star and the defense finally tightens up. Reese returned Tuesday after a three-week absence and posted 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a block in 26 minutes during a 94-88 loss to Seattle.

Record Impact: The Sky are 1-9 without Reese, but 7-17 with her in the lineup, proving her value.

Supporting Cast Needs to Step Up: The Sky have lost 13 of their last 14 and rank 10th in scoring (74.4 PPG) and 11th in opponent scoring (85.6 PPG). Without massive improvements defensively, they’ll struggle to contain New York’s elite backcourt.

“I just want to hoop.”
— Angel Reese on her return

The Sky must control tempo and dominate the glass to stay competitive in this one.

The Liberty Can Win If…

They play like they did Tuesday against the league’s best. New York beat the Minnesota Lynx 85-75, led by Jonquel Jones’ 22-point, 10-rebound double-double, her 100th career performance of that kind.

Key Players:

• Sabrina Ionescu: 17 points, 11 assists — and a game-sealing four-point play
• Breanna Stewart: Close to returning but still out
• All five starters scored in double figures vs. Minnesota

“She’s looking good… we’re going to continue building her up.”
— Liberty coach Sandy Brondello on Breanna Stewart’s return timeline

At 14-4 at home, the Liberty own the WNBA’s second-best home record and are 7-3 in their last 10. If their core continues clicking, they should cover even a large spread.

Key WNBA Betting Trends

The Lean

The Sky are improved with Reese, but this is a tough spot. New York is playing sharp, even without Stewart, and owns significant advantages in both offense and defense. The spread is large, but the Liberty are deep, rested, and highly motivated for playoff seeding.

Model Projection: Liberty 85, Sky 70
Pick: Liberty -12.5
Total Lean: Under 160.5

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