Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky Picks and Prediction for Thursday, September 17, 2026

The Washington Mystics visit the Chicago Sky on Thursday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, with the opening tipoff at 8:00 PM ET and televised on WNBA League Pass. Both teams return for their first game since the Women’s FIBA World Cup, won by the United States, with four regular-season games remaining for each team. The eight-team playoff field is already set, leaving seeding at stake for Washington. The Mystics are 24-16 and seventh overall, tied with sixth-place New York and eighth-place Dallas. Chicago is 15-25, 10th overall, and eliminated from postseason contention. Washington lost 88-82 to Los Angeles before the break, while Chicago fell 85-66 to New York for its third straight loss. Bulld a bigger bankroll with our free WNBA picks.

Washington Mystics Returning After a Strong Road Stretch

Washington won three of its final four games before the break, with all four contests coming on the road. The Mystics defeated Portland 105-100 and Phoenix twice before their six-point loss to Los Angeles. Washington averages 82.8 points per game while allowing only 83.0. The Mystics shoot 44.9% from the field and average a league-high 37.6 rebounds, including 10.3 offensive boards. That work on the glass is especially important against a Chicago team averaging 33.3 rebounds.

Shakira Austin leads Washington with 16.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Sonia Citron also averages 16.8 points while adding 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals. Kiki Iriafen contributes 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds, including 3.0 offensive boards. Washington has three reliable scoring options in Austin, Citron, and Iriafen, while the Mystics held Chicago to 72 points in a 90-72 victory in their first meeting this season.

Injuries: None.

Chicago Sky Trying to End a Three-Game Slide

Chicago returns after losing three straight before the World Cup break. The Sky fell 113-90 to Indiana, 87-81 to Connecticut and 85-66 to New York after consecutive victories over New York and Golden State. Chicago averages 86.7 points while allowing 89.7 and shoots 44.1% from the field. The Sky average 21.5 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.7 blocks, but opponents average 36.9 rebounds compared with Chicago’s 33.3.

Kamilla Cardoso leads the available Chicago players with 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 54.8% from the field. Sydney Taylor averages 13.8 points and makes 2.0 three-pointers per game, while Natasha Cloud contributes 11.4 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals. Azura Stevens adds 10.7 points and 6.5 rebounds. With Rickea Jackson and Skylar Diggins unavailable, Chicago will need more scoring from Cardoso, Taylor, and Cloud against a Washington defense allowing 83.0 points per game.

Injuries: Skylar Diggins (out), DiJonai Carrington (out), Rickea Jackson (out).

Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky Key Player Matchup

Shakira Austin and Kamilla Cardoso create an important matchup around the basket. Austin averages 16.8 points and 9.4 rebounds, including 1.9 offensive boards, while Cardoso averages 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds with 2.8 offensive boards. Cardoso shoots 54.8% from the field, so Washington needs Austin to make her work for touches near the rim. Chicago faces a difficult rebounding assignment against a Mystics team averaging 37.6 boards, making the production of both centers especially important.

Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky Game Pick

• Washington Mystics -3.5 (-110)

Washington -3.5 is the pick with the Mystics still playing for playoff position and Chicago already eliminated. Washington won three of its last four before the break and defeated Chicago 90-72 earlier this season. The Mystics also own a sizable rebounding advantage, averaging 37.6 boards compared with 33.3 for the Sky. Austin, Citron, and Iriafen each average at least 15 points, while Chicago is missing Jackson and Diggins. Washington has enough scoring and rebounding to cover the road spread.

Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky Over/Under Pick

• Under 167.5 (-110)

Under 167.5 is the pick after Washington held Chicago to 72 points in the first meeting. The Mystics allow 83.0 points per game and have the rebounding strength to limit Chicago’s extra possessions. The Sky scored 66 and 81 in their final two games before the break and will return without Jackson and Diggins. Washington also averages a modest 82.8 points for the season. With Chicago missing two scoring options and Washington defending well overall, a total under 168 is the play.