The Indiana Fever’s championship aspirations took another hit after Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson suffered season-ending injuries on August 7 against the Phoenix Mercury.
Colson suffered a torn ACL in the first quarter, and McDonald broke a bone in her right foot in the fourth quarter. Indiana, which is without Caitlin Clark, is down to nine active players. ESPN revealed on August 8, possible signing targets for the franchise.
“Grace Berger, the Fever’s 2023 No. 7 draft pick, is currently with the Wings on her third seven-day contract, and either has to be signed to a rest-of-season contract or be released, which could work in the Fever’s favor, wrote ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.”
“Indiana could also seek to sign a more experienced guard, such as Odyssey Sims or Shey Peddy, both of whom last played in the league for the Sparks this past June.”
Backcourt Fever
Losing Colson and McDonald is a huge blow to the franchise. Both players added depth and filled in for Clark, who has been in and out of the lineup due to a groin injury.
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Clark has been out of the lineup since July 15, when she reaggravated her groin.
Indiana won’t be able to sign a player to a hardship contract until players miss a game while being down to nine players. The earliest the Fever will be able to sign a player would be August 12.
The Fever are 6-4 out of their last ten games and will have to pivot with a depleted roster. ESPN’s Philippou explained the possibilities of the organizations new starting five.
“For now, there’s going to be even more on the shoulders of Mitchell, Cunningham, and Hull, the team’s sole remaining guards,” wrote Philippou.
“The Fever could bring Hull into the starting five alongside Mitchell, Cunningham, Howard, and Boston, and hope that Mitchell and Cunningham can juggle ball-handling duties in the short term.”
Indiana’s Remaining Schedule
There is no timetable for Clark’s return, but Indiana’s remaining schedule could be a benefit for the franchise. “If there’s any consolation, it’s that the Fever’s upcoming schedule is fairly favorable, wrote Philippou.
“They host three straight games against teams in the bottom quarter of the standings (the similarly injury-riddled Chicago on Saturday, Dallas on Tuesday, and Washington next Friday) before traveling to Connecticut, which is in last place, a week from Sunday.”
While depth is a concern for Indiana, they still have options to consider to move forward. This season, the Fever are 8-8 on the road and 9-7 at home. Last season, the franchise finished with a 12-8 record at home.
Last season, the Fever made the postseason for the first time since the 2016 season. Despite the injuries, the organization still has a chance to reach the postseason for the second consecutive season.
Kelsey Mitchell is leading the team in scoring, averaging 19.7 points per game. Without Clark, Aliyah Boston (15.1) and Natasha Howard (11.6) are the only other players averaging double figures in scoring.
The Fever will take on the injury-ridden Sky at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 9 at home on CBS.
ESPN Reveals Possible Indiana Fever Signings After Major Team Injuries