Fever Make Final Decision on Sophie Cunningham Before Dream Game
Fever Make Final Decision on Sophie Cunningham Before Dream Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Fever come into Tuesday's contest against the Atlanta Dream at 4-4 on the young season, having split their last four games.
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The Fever snapped a three-game skid on June 3 against the Washington Mystics before a commanding 79-52 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday, powered by Kelsey Mitchell's 17 points.
Yet Indiana's inconsistency has coincided with key injuries to two of its most pivotal guards: Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.
On Monday, it was revealed that neither Clark nor Cunningham would suit up for Tuesday's road trip to Atlanta, pushing their earliest possible return to Saturday's matchup with the defending champions New York Liberty.
Clark suffered a left quadriceps strain on May 24 in the Fever's narrow 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty, sidelining her for at least two weeks.
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Just days later, Cunningham reaggravated an ankle injury initially sustained in the preseason on May 10, leaving the Fever down another backcourt veteran after a narrow 85-83 loss to the Connecticut Sun on May 30.
To shore up the roster, Indiana signed former All-Rookie guard Aari McDonald to an emergency hardship contract on June 1, and she has since provided a spark off the bench.
In two contests, McDonald has averaged 9.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 steals across 26 minutes per game.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and guard Caitlin Clark (22).© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Looking ahead, Indiana faces a tough back‐to‐back slate against the 5-3 Dream and then Saturday at home against the unbeaten Liberty (8-0).
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A victory over Atlanta without Clark and Cunningham would not only boost morale but also buy extra recovery time for the pair.
Related: WNBA Reacts to Caitlin Clark's Actions During Chicago Sky Game
Related: Chicago Sky Coach Sends Message After Angel Reese Decision
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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