Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty – WNBA Prediction – August 18, 2026

Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty : a depleted New York offense?

Chicago get another crack at New York a few weeks after a game that came down to the wire. The Liberty edged it 95-94 on 23 July, but the setup is different now. New York arrive carrying several absences and a few question marks that could hit their scoring output.

Even so, the Liberty have been in fine form, winning eight of their last 10 games. Chicago are coming in with far less certainty, but the Sky have recently shown they can tighten up against decent opposition. For New York, getting back to 90 points could take more work than usual.

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Chicago are looking sturdier at the defensive end

Chicago’s season has been all over the place. The Sky have won only four of their last 10 and just snapped a three-game skid by beating Seattle 82-80. It’s hardly a statement result, but there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Chicago are allowing a little over 90 points a game this season, though that figure does not fully reflect the current trend. In four of their last five outings, the Sky have kept their opponents below today’s line.

At home, their games have not always turned into shootouts either. Six of their last seven home games have stayed under 185.5 points in total. Against a New York side that may be missing key pieces, the Sky have a chance to back up those defensive gains.

New York arrive with a few big absences

On results alone, there’s not much to fault with the Liberty. New York have won eight of their last 10 and just beat Connecticut 82-75. But that scoreline also suggests the attack is not always as explosive as the hype would have you believe.

New York have now stayed under 91.5 points in their last two games. Over the full season, they are averaging just over 90 points, which already leaves this line a touch above their usual output.

The bigger issue is the available roster. Leonie Fiebich is out, Satou Sabally is also missing, and Sabrina Ionescu is still uncertain. Those absences inevitably cut into New York’s scoring options and may push the Liberty towards control rather than pressing the gas for 40 minutes.

WNBA Prediction : Chicago Sky vs New York Liberty

New York Liberty : under 91.5 points

New York’s form is excellent, but winning does not automatically mean blowing past this number. The Liberty have just put together two straight games below 91.5 points, including that 82-point effort against Connecticut.

The absences also point in the same direction. Without Fiebich and Satou Sabally, and with Ionescu still in doubt, New York could be short on depth and answers if they are forced to maintain their usual level all night.

Chicago also offer a few reasons to like the under. The Sky have held four of their last five opponents below this mark, and their recent home games have not been offensive fireworks every time.

New York remain the stronger side and have enough quality to leave Chicago with a win. But in the current conditions, asking the Liberty to get to at least 92 points feels a stretch. We are siding with New York under 91.5 points.

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