Sometimes a trade can make or break a player. In the case of Angel Reese, leaving behind Chicago has been the latter, and the stats coupled with the analysis have proven that to be true.

As WNBA insider Sabreena Merchant noted in an appearance on the No Offseason Podcast on Thursday, there are reasons why Reese appears to be much more comfortable with the Dream than the Sky.

"She's in a situation in Atlanta where she's not the focal point," Sabreena Merchant said on Thursday's episode of The Athletic's No Offseason podcast. "She's always talking about how she wants to play with great players. She feels at home when she's next to great players. And that means that less is asked of her."

It is evident in the statistics that have been put forth. This year, Reese has achieved her career-best average of 15 points per game, along with topping the league with 11.7 rebounds, showing that she is doing great without having to carry the entire offense.

In the two seasons she played for Chicago, the lack of this luxury showed in the statistics.

The Sky had a record of 9-21 when Reese participated in their games in 2025 despite her impressive statistics, such as having a league-high of 12.6 rebounds per game and 23 double-doubles. But the team in Atlanta is not the same.

Since the Dream has players such as Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray in their attack, Reese could improve in her rebounding and defensive skills as her offensive skills naturally mature based on her 15th double-double, which is the most in the league this season, and making the All-Star Team for 2026.

This double-double came at a price, though, and now Reese's status for Atlanta's next game remains uncertain going into the weekend.

Angel Reese Listed As Questionable For Dream's Matchup Against Fire

Atlanta ended its five-game losing streak thanks to Reese on Thursday night, but she did not escape this game injury-free.

The Dream beat the Seattle Storm 89-78, with Reese contributing 18 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 30 minutes while shooting 7 of 15 from the field.

That double-double marked her league-best 15th of the season and pushed her past Tina Charles for the most double-doubles by a player in their first three WNBA seasons.

Reese rolled her right ankle late in the game and needed help off the court with 1:19 remaining, an injury that has since carried over into Atlanta's next matchup.

She now appears on the Dream's injury report as questionable with a left leg injury ahead of Saturday's home game against the Portland Fire, according to Dream reporter Jameelah Johnson.

Atlanta already enters the weekend without starting center Brionna Jones, and losing Reese as well would leave the frontcourt significantly thinner as the Dream try to build on Thursday's momentum.

Comment on whether you think Angel Reese suits up for the Dream on Saturday.

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Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta