What seemed like a rebuilding season for the Indiana Fever has turned into a true ordeal. The list of injured players is so long it feels like a curse. First, Caitlin Clark, who has missed 14 consecutive games due to a groin issue. Then, Sydney Colson tore her ACL and was ruled out for the season. The newly signed Aari McDonald, brought in as a replacement, suffered a fracture in Phoenix. And Sophie Cunningham, who took over the role, went down with an MCL injury.
The latest blow came with Odyssey Sims, who limped off after a shot attempt in the fourth quarter. Coach Stephanie White confirmed she will be evaluated, but the outlook is not promising. As if that weren’t enough, Chloe Bibby also missed the game against Minnesota due to discomfort in her left knee.
Lexie Hull steps up and calls for more effort
With so much adversity, the roster is stretched to its limits. Lexie Hull spoke up after the loss to the Lynx and made it clear there are no excuses: “We’re missing people, so everyone has to do a little more, be more aggressive offensively,” she said.
And she led by example. Hull delivered one of her best performances with 23 points, shooting 9 of 16 from the field and hitting 4 three-pointers, along with rebounds, steals, and assists. Her intensity was evident in the 38 minutes she played, far exceeding her average playing time. In the end, she stood firm: “We’re losing people, so we have to hang in there and play tired, there’s no other way.”
Indiana Fever signs Aeriel Powers
With a depleted roster, management had no choice but to act quickly. Indiana signed Aeriel Powers to a seven-day contract, seeking some relief at the forward position. The 2019 WNBA champion with the Washington Mystics has career averages of 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
Powers brings experience and depth, but the big question is whether it will be enough to keep playoff hopes alive. While waiting for updates on Sims and Bibby, the shadow of the “injury curse” continues to loom over the Fever. With no Caitlin Clark in the immediate future, the burden falls on Hull and the team’s ability to hold on until the end.
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