The Indiana Fever are gearing up for their highly anticipated 2025 WNBA season opener against the Chicago Sky, but they’ll be without a key teammate of star guard Caitlin Clark. Just over 24 hours before tip-off, the Fever announced that forward NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out due to a lingering ankle injury sustained during preseason training. This loss is a significant blow to the team’s frontcourt depth and their aspirations to build on last season’s playoff appearance, the franchise’s first since 2016.[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/indiana-fever-lose-key-caitlin-212836971.html)
Smith, a 2022 No. 2 overall draft pick, was a cornerstone of the Fever’s lineup last season, averaging 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Her versatility as a scorer and rebounder complemented Clark’s playmaking, creating a dynamic inside-outside threat. The 6-foot-4 forward’s absence leaves a gap in the paint, especially against a Chicago Sky team bolstered by rookie standout Angel Reese, who emerged as a rebounding and defensive force in 2024. Reese’s presence will test the Fever’s adjusted lineup, with players like Aliyah Boston expected to shoulder a heavier load.[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/chicago-sky-issues-warning-fans-180851429.html)
The Fever’s coaching staff, led by Christie Sides, expressed disappointment but remains optimistic. “NaLyssa’s a big part of what we do, but injuries happen. We trust our depth and the next-player-up mentality,” Sides said in a press conference. The team is likely to turn to veteran Katie Lou Samuelson and rookie Celeste Taylor to fill the void. Samuelson, a sharpshooting forward, could stretch the floor, while Taylor’s defensive tenacity might help contain Chicago’s backcourt, including players like Chennedy Carter. However, neither fully replaces Smith’s rebounding prowess or physicality.
Clark, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, is expected to carry the offensive burden. Last season, she dazzled with 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup against Reese, her college rival. The Clark-Reese storyline has dominated headlines, with Reese notably sidestepping questions about Clark in pregame interviews, signaling her focus on the game. “I’m here to play, not talk,” Reese said, per reports. This intensity sets the stage for a heated opener at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.[](https://www.irishstar.com/sport/other-sports/angel-reese-caitlin-clark-wnba-35235100)[](https://www.themirror.com/sport/basketball/angel-reese-caitlin-clark-wnba-1153375)
Beyond Smith’s absence, the Fever face additional challenges. Reports indicate the team made a surprising roster move, releasing guard Lexie Brown earlier this week, a decision that sparked debate among fans. Brown’s veteran presence could have stabilized the backcourt, but the Fever prioritized flexibility. Meanwhile, the Sky issued a warning to fans about heightened security and expected sellout crowds, underscoring the game’s magnitude.[](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/fever-release-caitlin-clarks-teammate-before-facing-angel-reese/ar-AA1EImpC)[](https://athlonsports.com/wnba/chicago-sky/chicago-sky-issues-warning-to-fans-before-game-against-caitlin-clark-fever)
As the Fever adjust, the focus remains on Clark’s leadership and Boston’s dominance in the paint. While Smith’s injury is a setback, the team’s depth and Clark’s brilliance could still propel them to a statement win. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET on May 18, 2025, with the basketball world watching.
