Sky delaying the inevitable as playoff hopes hang on by a single thread

The Chicago Sky will soon take the court for their final regular-season game in what will likely also be their final game in 2024. Before the Olympic break, the Sky were well-positioned for a playoff berth, but they've been on a downward spiral since.

Angel Reese underwent season-ending wrist surgery, so she'd be sidelined even if Chicago secured the final postseason spot and faced New York in the first round. Kamilla Cardoso (shoulder) and Chennedy Carter (foot) missed Tuesday's loss to Atlanta, which had major playoff implications.

The Sky need to beat the Sun on Thursday and need the Dream and Mystics to both lose to secure the No. 8 seed (subscription required). The Liberty locked in the top seed but aren't resting their key players for the regular-season finale, so Atlanta could lose to New York. Washington will play Indiana, who locked in the No. 6 spot but isn't resting any players.

Chicago beating Connecticut and Atlanta/Washington losing isn't out of the question, but only if the Sky have Cardoso and Carter.

Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter are game-time decisions for Sky

With less than two hours left until tip off in Connecticut, Teresa Weatherspoon told reporters that Cardoso and Carter are game-time decisions. Shortly after, Chicago Sun-Times reporter Annie Costabile tweeted that Cardoso walked out on the court in street clothes.

Even though Weatherspoon didn't outright say it, it seems like Cardoso will be out again. It wouldn't be surprising if Carter missed the finale too.

Chicago controlled its destiny, but injuries got in the way. The Sky have already waved the white flag, even though they haven't been officially eliminated from the postseason. Reese's injury was the final nail in the coffin. Cardoso isn't at 100 percent, and that wouldn't change in time for the playoffs.

Chicago made the right move by not playing Cardoso in Tuesday's game. If she plays against the Sun (and it doesn't look like she will), she could risk a serious shoulder injury that'd affect her offseason and maybe even the start of 2025. The front office doesn't want that, and neither should fans.

A playoff berth would be a feel-good story for the Sky, but that feeling wouldn't last long. The Liberty have been dominant. If Chicago misses the postseason, it will increase the team's chances of landing a high lottery pick. If that doesn't cheer you up, look at the list of 2025 draft prospects.

Simply put -- the Sky don't have enough gas left in the tank. Better luck next year.