Angel Reese Sidelined: What It Means for Rose BC’s Playoff Hopes
Angel Reese is officially out of the Unrivaled semifinals due to a hand injury, leaving fans and analysts wondering what this means for Rose BC’s championship chances. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Reese was playing a key role in the team’s impressive postseason run.
The Injury That Changed Everything
On March 15, an update confirmed that Reese is sidelined due to a hand injury—a serious blow to Rose BC. And she’s not alone. Kahleah Copper (right leg) is also out, while Laces BC is dealing with injuries to Kate Martin (left leg) and Jackie Young (illness, questionable). This wave of injuries could have a major impact on the semifinals.
Reese’s injury stems from an issue she has dealt with before. In the final regular-season game, she left during the third quarter, holding her left wrist—the same one that gave her trouble in the past. It wasn’t a dramatic fall or collision; she simply walked off with a towel over her head. Initially, Rose BC’s official account stated she had a wrist injury, but Reese reposted the update, called it “false information,” and then deleted it, adding some mystery to the situation.
This isn’t the first time Reese has faced this kind of setback. Back in September 2024, she fractured the same wrist and underwent surgery to prevent long-term damage, including the risk of arthritis at a young age. That experience has everyone concerned about her long-term health.
Rose BC’s Journey to the Playoffs
Rose BC’s season started with a 1-4 record, but they turned things around with a five-game winning streak in February, even handing the Lunar Owls their only loss of the season. They finished strong, winning seven of their last nine games, largely thanks to Reese’s dominance.
Reese led the league with 12.2 rebounds per game and anchored a defense that allowed just 13.1 points per game, the lowest in the league. Her presence in the paint was a game-changer, making her absence a massive hurdle for Rose BC.
Can Rose BC Survive Without Reese and Copper?
Losing both Reese and Copper right before the semifinals is devastating. Copper was a crucial part of their late-season surge, and her absence raises serious doubts about Rose BC’s ability to advance. Their upcoming matchup against the Laces, who are getting Alyssa Thomas and Tiffany Hayes back from injury, only makes things tougher.
Without their two best players, Rose BC faces an uphill battle. Their depth will be tested, and they’ll need unexpected contributions from role players to have a shot at the championship.
Angel Reese’s Impact Goes Beyond This Season
Despite this setback, Reese’s 2024 season was legendary. She won Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first in Unrivaled history to do so. She also made Second Team All-Unrivaled alongside Skylar Diggins-Smith and Rhyne Howard.
Her dominance was on full display when she recorded the first 20-20 game in Unrivaled history, with 22 points and 21 rebounds in a February 21 win over the Lunar Owls. She also made headlines on February 1, becoming the first Unrivaled player to be ejected after two technicals in a heated moment with a referee.
Reese’s Influence Off the Court
Beyond her on-court achievements, Reese is one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball. She won a national championship with LSU in 2023, was the No. 7 pick in the WNBA Draft, and led the league in rebounds as a rookie, even after a season-ending injury.
Her influence extends far beyond basketball. She’s graced the cover of Vogue, has her own McDonald’s meal, and her “Unapologetically Angel” podcast was named one of Spotify’s Best New Shows of 2024.
What’s Next for Reese?
If she can stay healthy, Reese could be a contender for WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, giving the Chicago Sky a key defensive presence as they rebuild. The Sky need consistent pieces around her, but if they do, they could be a playoff team as early as next season.
For now, all eyes are on Rose BC. Can they find a way to win without their biggest stars? Or will the injuries prove too much to overcome?The semifinals will give us the answer.