The Chicago Sky return home Thursday night to host the Seattle Storm at Wintrust Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:30PM ET. Chicago enters the game with a 7-16 record and has lost three straight. Seattle is 14-10 and third in the Western Conference.
This is the first meeting between these teams in 2025. Chicago took three of four in 2023, but Seattle bounced back to win two of three last season. The Storm won the last matchup 84-71 on July 7, 2024. This is game one of a three-game season series, with the next meeting set for August 19 in Chicago.
Sky Preview – Still Searching for Consistency
Chicago was held to just 68 points Tuesday in a 91-68 road loss at Minnesota. The Sky turned the ball over 23 times and struggled to move the ball. Kia Nurse led the team with 16 points, while Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso both recorded double-doubles in the frontcourt.
The Sky have dropped four of their last five games. They are averaging 80.2 points per game while giving up 86.5, which ranks bottom three in the league. Chicago is 3-10 on the road but slightly better at home with a 4-6 record. They rank 13th in opponent three-point percentage and 12th in total rebounds allowed.
Reese has been a bright spot with ten straight double-doubles and leads the team in rebounds. Cardoso is also coming into form in her rookie year, adding size in the paint. With Courtney Vandersloot out for the season and Ariel Atkins sidelined, the Sky are short-handed in the backcourt and lacking steady guard play.
Storm Preview – Hoping to Regain Rhythm
Seattle comes into this one after an 87-63 loss to Dallas on Tuesday. The Storm shot just 30.7% from the floor and 4-for-21 from deep in the blowout loss. Nneka Ogwumike scored 22 points, but Seattle played without Skylar Diggins, who missed the game for personal reasons.
Coach Noelle Quinn said Diggins’ absence impacts more than just scoring, as she is a key playmaker. Without her, Seattle struggled to generate offense and fell behind early. Gabby Williams and Ezi Magbegor tried to help, but the team was outmatched in shooting and spacing.
Seattle is 6-5 on the road and ranks fifth in field goal percentage at 44.1%. The Storm allow just 80.2 points per game, and their defense ranks among the top five in rebounding and steals. They are 12-12 against the spread and have split their last ten games. The Storm are efficient when they take care of the ball and get balanced scoring.
Betting Prediction
Seattle is favored by 9.5 points on the road with a total set at 157.5. The Storm have better stats across the board, especially in field goal percentage and defense. Chicago continues to struggle with turnovers and has lost four games this season by double digits at home. If Diggins returns, Seattle’s offense should bounce back from Tuesday’s poor showing.
The Sky are missing pieces in the backcourt and have leaned heavily on Reese and Cardoso. Seattle has stronger guard play, more experience, and better shooting. Even if the Sky keep it close early, the Storm’s depth should pull away. Predicted score: Seattle 83, Chicago 70.
Pick: Seattle -9.5
