Indiana Fever's Backcourt Crisis Deepens

The Indiana Fever were dealt a significant blow with the news that guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season due to injuries. This comes at a critical time as the team is already without star player Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined since July 15 with a right groin injury.

Impact on the Playoff Race

With only five weeks left in the regular season, the Fever are currently 17-14 and hold the fifth spot in the WNBA standings. The loss of Colson and McDonald could severely impact their chances of making a deep playoff run. Colson suffered a torn ACL in her left knee during the first quarter of a game against Phoenix, while McDonald broke a bone in her right foot in the fourth quarter.

Adjustments in the Backcourt

The Fever's backcourt is now severely depleted. Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, and Lexie Hull are the only remaining guards. The team may need to bring Hull into the starting lineup alongside Mitchell, Cunningham, Natasha Howard, and Aliyah Boston. The Fever are also expected to sign a hardship player, but this can only happen after a player misses a game.

Potential Signings

The Fever are looking at several options to bolster their backcourt. Potential candidates include Jaylyn Sherrod, recently waived by the Liberty, and Grace Berger, currently with the Wings on a seven-day contract. More experienced guards like Odyssey Sims or Shey Peddy could also be considered.

Caitlin Clark's Return Timeline

There is still no clear timeline for Caitlin Clark's return. She has been limited to individual rehab and workouts and has yet to participate in team activities. The Fever are prioritizing her long-term health, which may delay her return despite the team's urgent need for her on the court.

Upcoming Schedule

The Fever's upcoming schedule offers some relief, with three consecutive home games against teams in the bottom quarter of the standings. However, the injuries to Colson and McDonald have undoubtedly made the path to the playoffs more challenging for Indiana.

Conclusion

The Indiana Fever's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after the season-ending injuries to Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald. The team must quickly adapt and find solutions to fill the void left by these key players if they hope to make a significant impact in the postseason.