The Seattle Storm are desperate to reverse their fortunes. After dropping 11 consecutive games, they welcome the Chicago Sky to town on Monday night in a matchup that pits two teams heading in sharply different directions. Seattle, with a dismal 6-28 record, sits at the bottom of the Western Conference, while Chicago (12-20) is clinging to playoff hopes in the East.

Seattle has struggled mightily on its home floor, posting a 4-11 mark at Climate Pledge Arena. The Storm have also been prone to blowouts, with 14 of their 28 losses coming by double digits. In contrast, Chicago has been competitive in tight games, holding a 5-7 record in contests decided by 10 or more points. The Sky have also managed a 4-11 record away from home, but they have shown signs of life lately.

One area where Seattle could find an edge is from beyond the arc. The Storm average 8.5 made three-pointers per game, barely more than the 7.6 Chicago allows. If Seattle can get hot from deep, it might open up the offense. However, the Storm have struggled with overall efficiency, shooting 45.4% from the field over their last 10 games — a stretch in which they have gone 0-10. Their opponents have shot 47.6% and averaged 97 points per game during that span.

Chicago, on the other hand, has been clicking offensively. The Sky are shooting 47.6% from the field over their last 10 games, averaging 92.7 points while allowing 91.1. That 5-5 record in that stretch includes wins over teams with winning records. The Sky's field goal percentage for the season sits at 44.7%, slightly better than the 43.6% that Seattle's defense has allowed.

This will be the second meeting between these teams this season. On July 15, Chicago pulled out a 95-90 victory, with Azura Stevens leading the way with 20 points. Flau'jae Johnson countered with 25 points for Seattle, but it wasn't enough. The Storm will need a similar scoring burst from Johnson or another player to snap their skid.

Key performers to watch include Seattle's Natisha Hiedeman, who is averaging 15.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Dominique Malonga has been a bright spot over the last 10 games, putting up 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per contest. For Chicago, Kamilla Cardoso is a force inside with 14.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, plus 1.5 blocks. Sydney Taylor has been on a hot streak, averaging 16.2 points on 47.2% shooting over the last 10 games, but she is listed as out with a groin injury for Monday's contest.

Injury reports also show Seattle's Katie Lou Samuelson (knee) is out. Chicago will be without Skylar Diggins (knee) and Rickea Jackson (knee, out for season). The absences could impact rotations, especially for the Sky, who lose Taylor's scoring punch.

Both teams are dealing with roster challenges, but the Storm face the more urgent need: simply getting a win. Seattle has not tasted victory since July 11, and that losing streak has deflated a team that entered the season with modest expectations. The Sky, meanwhile, are still fighting for a postseason berth and cannot afford to drop games against the league's weakest team.

Monday's game will test Seattle's resilience. The Storm have shown flashes of competitiveness, but they have been unable to close out games. Chicago, with its balanced scoring and interior presence from Cardoso, will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses. The Sky's ability to shoot efficiently from the field could be the difference.

As the WNBA season winds down, every game matters for Chicago. For Seattle, it's about pride and building momentum for the future. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. EDT at Climate Pledge Arena.