​The Atlanta Dream could be without star forward Angel Reese for their Saturday afternoon matchup against the Portland Fire. Dream head coach Karl Smesko said Reese is dealing with an ankle injury, casting doubt on her availability for the game. He noted that the injury occurred in the final minute of Atlanta’s 89-78 win over the Seattle Storm on Thursday, July 9, and that Reese’s status for the Fire contest remains uncertain.
Wilton C. Jackson II reported that Smesko described Reese as “doubtful” to play due to a knee issue, with a final determination expected roughly 30 minutes before tip-off. “No word yet. Probably going to be something at about the 30-minute mark to be making a definitive decision [on Reese],” Smesko said. Given the update, it appears Reese is unlikely to suit up, though an official designation would come closer to game time. The team will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Reese has earned another All-Star appearance this season, but her presence on the floor goes beyond scoring. She is a potent rebounder and a steady contributor for Atlanta. The LSU product is averaging 15 points and 11.7 rebounds per game this season, marks that include her entering the year with a career-high scoring pace and her typical domination on the boards.
Smesko emphasized the expected collective effort regardless of Reese’s status. “I mean, everybody’s just gonna have to do their part. Our guards will have to get a few more rebounds,” he said before Reese’s status was confirmed as doubtful. “Everybody’s gonna have to block out whether Angel [Reese] plays or not. We expect to be a great rebounding team.” He also stressed the need for heightened effort and durability on the boards: “The effort needs to be there. Obviously, it hurts to lose one of the best rebounders in W history, but everybody in our locker room knows if she doesn’t play, that we all have to step up because we need to rebound the ball and have an advantage on the boards.”
Reese’s absence would undoubtedly complicate the Dream’s game plan, especially after they snapped a five-game losing streak with their win over Seattle. The team will rely on a collective effort to compensate for any lack of a dominant rebounding presence, particularly against a Portland squad that will be prepared to challenge them on the glass. As updates roll in, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Reese can go on Saturday or if Atlanta will lean on the depth and resilience of its rotation to secure a crucial win. For now, the latest word points to a cautious approach, with a final decision likely looming close to tip-off.