Just hours before their much-anticipated season opener against the Chicago Sky, the Indiana Fever have announced that guard-forward Sophie Cunningham will be sidelined due to a right ankle injury. Cunningham sustained the injury during the team’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream on May 10. Her absence is a significant setback for the Fever, as she was expected to play a key role alongside star guard Caitlin Clark in the team’s revamped lineup .
Cunningham, acquired in a major offseason trade, had shown promising chemistry with Clark during training camp and preseason matchups. Her versatility and experience were anticipated to bolster the Fever’s perimeter play and provide veteran leadership on the court. With Cunningham out, the Fever will need to rely more heavily on their bench depth and the contributions of other perimeter players to fill the void.
The Fever’s coaching staff has emphasized the importance of a “next player up” mentality, highlighting the team’s depth and resilience. Rookies and less experienced players may see increased minutes as the team adjusts its rotation to compensate for Cunningham’s absence. The matchup against the Sky, featuring rising stars like Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, will test the Fever’s adaptability early in the season.
On the opposing side, the Chicago Sky are also dealing with injury concerns. Rookie guard Hailey Van Lith is listed as questionable for the game due to an ankle issue sustained during practice this week. While the injury is not considered serious, her status remains uncertain leading up to tip-off . Additionally, veteran guard Moriah Jefferson has been ruled out for the opener, further impacting the Sky’s backcourt depth .
Despite these setbacks, both teams are poised to showcase their young talent and offseason acquisitions in what promises to be an exciting start to the WNBA season. The Fever and Sky tip off today at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM West Africa Time) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Fans can catch the action live on ABC, with streaming options available via ESPN+, Sling TV, DirecTV, and Fubo
