The Indiana Fever will be without veteran guard Sophie Cunningham in their highly anticipated season opener against the Chicago Sky, as the 28-year-old continues to recover from a right ankle injury.
🏀 Cunningham Ruled Out for Fever vs. Sky
On Friday, the Indiana Fever officially listed Sophie Cunningham as OUT for Saturday’s game due to a right ankle injury sustained during the team’s final preseason matchup on May 10 against the Atlanta Dream.
Cunningham rolled her ankle after landing awkwardly on Rhyne Howard’s foot while battling for a rebound in the third quarter. She exited the game and did not return, sparking concerns that were confirmed with her placement on the WNBA injury report.
📋 No Set Timeline for Return
Although Cunningham made an appearance at Friday’s practice — even participating in a half-court shooting contest — Fever head coach Stephanie White made it clear the team is taking a cautious approach.
“You take off three days of practice and then try to win a half-court shooting contest — that’s a little fraudulent,” White joked. “She’s made great progress, but the focus is on the big picture. We won’t risk a setback early in the season.”
White emphasized the demanding start to the season, with six games in 14 days, and reiterated the importance of Cunningham’s long-term health over short-term gain.
🩺 Injury Management Over Immediate Impact
“Sometimes you have to save players from themselves,” said White. “It’s not worth having her play now if it means losing her for weeks due to swelling or re-injury. The medical team will continue to monitor her recovery.”
🔁 Cunningham’s Role With the Fever
Cunningham joined the Fever in January via a four-team trade involving the Phoenix Mercury, Dallas Wings, and Connecticut Sun. Drafted 13th overall by Phoenix in 2019 out of Missouri, she spent five seasons in the Valley, averaging 8.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 2024.
In her short time with Indiana, Cunningham had a strong preseason showing, scoring 21, 6, and 5 points across three games. The Fever went 3-0 in those tune-up contests, signaling promise ahead of the 2025 WNBA regular season.
🔥 What’s Next: Caitlin Clark Leads Fever vs. Angel Reese & the Sky
With Sophie Cunningham sidelined, rookie sensation Caitlin Clark will take center stage as the Indiana Fever host Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
