The Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky are set to go head-to-head on Sunday evening. Chicago is dealing with injuries of their own, such as Angel Reese's absence. However, Phoenix received multiple important injury updates before the game as well.
Bec Allen has been ruled out for Sunday's game due to a right hamstring injury, the team announced. Charisma Osborne is also out due to a lower left leg injury. Kahleah Copper, who is battling a back issue, is listed as questionable.
The Mercury are already headed to the 2024 WNBA postseason. Phoenix would still like to earn a victory on Sunday, however. The Mercury's roster features enough depth to still compete regardless of Copper's final status. It goes without saying, but Copper still plays a crucial role for the team. After all, she is one of the best players in the WNBA.
Kahleah Copper's impact on Mercury
Copper, 30, is a four-time All-Star. She is currently averaging 21.6 points per game on 43.8 percent field goal shooting. Copper is averaging 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per outing as well.
The Mercury feature a talented overall team. Phoenix may have an opportunity to make some serious noise during the upcoming postseason. They will need Copper to play at a high level and be healthy in order to do so, though.
Although Phoenix is headed to the postseason, as they are the No. 7 seed as of this story's writing. their record is just 17-20. It has not exactly been a dominant season for the Mercury. In fact, they are currently the only team that has clinched a postseason spot to feature a record of below .500.
In other words, the Mercury will need a complete team effort in order to make a deep playoff run. Phoenix will rely on stars such as Kahleah Copper to lead the way.
Mercury-Sky game
As mentioned, the Mercury have already booked their ticket to the WNBA playoffs. The same cannot be said for the Sky, however.
Chicago is battling with the Washington Mystics and Atlanta Dream for the No. 8 spot in the standings, which is the final postseason position. Sunday's game is extremely important for Chicago as they hope to make their playoff hopes a reality.
Sunday's game is scheduled for 6 PM EST in Chicago. Kahleah Copper's final injury status will go a long way toward determining the outcome of the game.