Chicago Sky vs Washington Mystics Picks and Prediction for Thursday, September 24, 2026

The Chicago Sky visit the Washington Mystics on Thursday at Capital One Arena, with the start of the game scheduled for 7:30 PM ET and televised on WNBA League Pass. This is the final regular-season game for both teams. Chicago is 16-27, sits 11th in the WNBA standings, and has been eliminated from playoff contention. The Sky snapped a four-game losing streak Tuesday with a 97-85 win over Toronto. Washington is 27-16, sits sixth overall, and has clinched a playoff berth. The Mystics have won three straight, including a 79-69 victory over Connecticut on Tuesday. Washington leads the season series 2-0. Let’s break down the matchup with our free WNBA picks.

Chicago Sky Coming Off a Needed Home Win

Chicago’s victory over Toronto was its first across the five most recent results, with the Sky scoring 97 points after being held to 81 or fewer in four straight games. Kamilla Cardoso averages 14.6 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 54.8% from the field. Sydney Taylor adds 13.4 points per game and has made 1.9 3-pointers per contest. Rickea Jackson has averaged 18.0 points through four appearances with Chicago.

The Sky average 86.4 points while shooting 43.9% from the field and 31.2% from 3-point range. Chicago also averages 33.1 rebounds, 21.3 assists, 7.0 steals, and 4.7 blocks. The defensive numbers have been less favorable, with opponents averaging 90.4 points while shooting 46.2%. Chicago has struggled away from home at 5-16 and owns a -3.8 average scoring margin this season.

Injuries: Aicha Coulibaly (out), DiJonai Carrington (out), Natasha Cloud (out), Azura Stevens (out), Skylar Diggins (out).

Washington Mystics Riding a Three-Game Winning Streak

Washington has won four of its last five, with the lone defeat coming 88-82 against Los Angeles. The Mystics beat Chicago 110-80 one week ago before following with victories over Indiana and Connecticut. Shakira Austin averages 17.0 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 49.1% from the field. Sonia Citron contributes 16.8 points and 4.4 assists, while Kiki Iriafen averages 15.5 points and a team-high 9.6 rebounds.

The Mystics average 83.7 points and shoot 45.2% from the field, including 31.9% from 3-point range. Washington averages 37.6 rebounds, giving the Mystics a sizable season advantage over Chicago on the glass. Washington has also limited opponents to 82.5 points per game, the second-lowest mark in the league. The Mystics are 14-7 at Capital One Arena and have an average scoring margin of +1.1.

Injuries: No injuries to report.

Key Player Matchup

Kamilla Cardoso vs Shakira Austin

Cardoso and Austin bring productive interior numbers into the regular-season finale. Cardoso averages 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while making 54.8% of her field-goal attempts. Austin averages 17.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Washington also holds the team rebounding advantage at 37.6 per game compared with Chicago’s 33.1, making Cardoso’s work around the basket especially important for the Sky.

Chicago Sky vs Washington Mystics Game Pick

• Washington Mystics

Washington is the pick after winning three straight and four of its last five games. The Mystics have also controlled the season series, beating Chicago 90-72 in June before a 110-80 road victory on September 17. Washington has the major defensive advantage, allowing 82.5 points per game compared with Chicago’s 90.4. The Mystics also average 4.5 more rebounds per game, while the Sky are only 5-16 away from home and will be without several players, who play significant minutes.

Chicago Sky vs Washington Mystics Over/Under Pick

• Over

Recent scoring makes over the play for Thursday’s finale. The teams combined for 190 points when Washington won 110-80 one week ago, and Chicago followed by scoring 97 against Toronto. The Sky have allowed 106 and 110 points in two of their last three games, while Washington has reached at least 93 points twice during its three-game winning streak. Chicago averages 86.4 points for the season, and its defensive numbers leave room for Washington’s main scorers to produce another productive night.