The Atlanta Dream ended their five-game losing streak with a win against the Seattle Storm on Thursday night, and the hope is that they can keep things rolling. With four games remaining until the All-Star break, the best-case scenario is for them to win out and climb the standings, as they're currently sitting in the sixth seed.
Unfortunately, there is some uncertainty surrounding Angel Reese and her status after she went down with an injury at the end of the Storm game. Reese was able to walk off the court on her own, and the team didn't need her anymore with it being just a minute remaining in the game.
After the game, head coach Karl Smesko didn't have much of an update on Reese's status, but ahead of their matchup against the Portland Fire, she's listed on the injury report as questionable. That's good news in itself, because the Dream can't afford to lose her for a substantial amount of time.
Dream should hope Angel Reese doesn't have to miss time with an injury
Reese has had a solid season in her first year with the team, averaging 15.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. She's been a force in the interior for the Dream, whether that's on offense with her physicality, or on defense, where she's not making it easy for opponents to get anything easy.
The reason the Dream can't afford to lose Reese right now is that the one person who can replicate what she does on the team is also injured. Brionna Jones has yet to play a game this season as she still recovers from her meniscus injury, and there is still no timetable for when she'll return.
The good news is that she was upgraded to doubtful against the Fire, which means her return could be around the corner, but she and Reese can't be out at the same time. The hope is that Reese only has to miss a game or two, and they will have to rely on players such as Naz Hillmon and Madina Okot to step up.
Reese has been an important part of the team this season, and it's hard to replace what she does on both sides of the floor.
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