The Indiana Fever enter Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Sky dealing with a short-handed roster and lingering fatigue after a demanding stretch of games.
The team released its injury report just hours before tip-off, listing star guard Caitlin Clark as probable with a back issue. She is expected to be available for the contest.
Indiana also reported forward Myisha Hines-Allen as questionable because of a right shoulder injury. Center Aliyah Boston was ruled out with a right lower leg problem, creating a significant gap in the frontcourt.
Backup center Damiris Dantas did not travel with the team. Officials confirmed she underwent knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
The Fever arrived at this point after a 109-102 defeat to the New York Liberty on Saturday night. Clark contributed 21 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal in that contest.
Clark and her teammates have played three games in five days, a schedule that has left the group worn down. She noted before the Liberty game that the squad was not at full strength due to the physical toll.
In 34 appearances this season, Clark is posting averages of 21.7 points, 8.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game. She previously sat out time earlier in the year while managing a similar back concern.
Without Boston available, the offensive load shifts heavily onto Clark and guard Kelsey Mitchell. Both will need to generate scoring opportunities consistently to offset the missing interior presence.
Boston had shown improvement as an outside shooter in recent weeks, adding another dimension that Indiana must now replace. The absence forces greater reliance on perimeter play and ball movement.
The Fever stand at 24-14 overall after dropping their past two contests. Further losses at this stage of the schedule could complicate their positioning ahead of the upcoming World Cup break.
Chicago enters the game with more rest than Indiana, giving the Sky a potential edge in energy and recovery. The Fever face the challenge of overcoming that disparity while managing their own limited depth.
Clark has continued to impact games through her passing and rebounding even when her scoring output varies. Those contributions remain critical as the team navigates the current stretch without full health.
Coaches and players will look for early offensive execution to set a tone against the Sky. Sustaining that effort over four quarters will test the group’s resilience after consecutive high-intensity outings.
Indiana cannot afford additional setbacks if it hopes to maintain momentum heading into the break.
A strong performance from Clark and the remaining healthy rotation will be essential in that effort.
