Short-Handed, But Not Short on Fight: Fever Look to Rebound as Injuries Mount

The Indiana Fever find themselves in a familiar, if frustrating, position just six games into the 2025 WNBA season: looking to stabilize the backcourt, heal up, and rediscover early-season momentum. After Friday’s narrow 85-83 loss to the Connecticut Sun—a game that saw a gutsy fourth-quarter comeback fall just short—the Fever enter Tuesday night’s matchup with the Washington Mystics riding a three-game losing skid, and their roster worn thin by injury.

The injury report tells the story. Superstar rookie Caitlin Clark is still sidelined with a left quad strain and will be out for at least another week. As if that weren’t enough, Indiana lost both Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham to injuries during the Connecticut game—forcing head coach Stephanie White and the front office to dip into the hardship pool. Enter Aari McDonald, signed Monday as an emergency addition, bringing veteran savvy and defensive toughness to a Fever roster hungry for depth.

McDonald’s arrival is a timely reinforcement. The former No. 3 overall pick has played for both Atlanta and Los Angeles, known for her high motor, quickness off the dribble, and disruptive perimeter defense. While not expected to immediately fill Clark’s playmaking shoes, McDonald’s experience gives Indiana a steady hand to help run the offense, especially as Kelsey Mitchell and Erica Wheeler carry an increased load.

There are still bright spots amid the adversity. Aliyah Boston continues to lead by example in the post, averaging 17 points per game and showing veteran composure beyond her years. Kelsey Mitchell remains a key scoring threat, and DeWanna Bonner has given the Fever consistent shot creation in key stretches.

Even in defeat, Indiana nearly pulled off a double-digit comeback in the fourth quarter against Connecticut. The Fever exploded with a 19-2 run and took a late lead before the Sun hit key free throws and a final 3-point attempt came up short. That kind of fight—even with only eight healthy players—is the culture Stephanie White has preached since day one.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Tonight’s opponent, the Mystics, come in at 3-4 and have found their rhythm after a rocky start. While Georgia Amoore is out for the season, Washington has leaned on Brittney Sykes and Natasha Cloud to keep them competitive in the Eastern Conference.

For Indiana, the key is to weather the storm, survive the short bench, and avoid letting this losing streak stretch much longer. The good news? The Fever are still in the thick of the playoff mix, and Clark is expected back mid-June. If the veterans can hold down the fort and McDonald integrates quickly, Indiana still has every opportunity to make a second-half push once the roster returns to full strength.

And for Fever fans? Don’t count this team out—not now, not ever. They’ve got grit, they’ve got talent, and they’ve still got plenty of basketball left to play.