The Fever made a surprise decision on Wednesday...
Indiana Fever Make Unexpected Roster Change After Caitlin Clark’s Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever secured their third-straight win, defeating the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night. But Clark was forced to leave the game in the final minute with a groin injury, which is separate from her previous groin issue that kept her out five games.
Clark was ruled out for the Fever's final game before the All-Star break, taking on the New York Liberty on Wednesday night in Brooklyn.
This will mark Clark's 11th game missed during the 2025 WNBA season. Initially, Indiana had replaced its All-WNBA point guard with Sydney Colson in the starting lineup. But recently, the Fever have switched it up, opting for new signee Aari McDonald instead.
McDonald will once again get the start against the Liberty, marking her fifth of the season. However, the Fever made another lineup change that may come as a surprise to many.
For 18 of the Fever's 22 regular-season games, guard Lexie Hull has been starting in the backcourt. She initially came off the bench for the first few games of 2025, but performed well enough to replace former All-Star DeWanna Bonner, who is no longer with the team.
However, against the Liberty, coach Stephanie White has elected to replace Hull in the lineup, opting for Sophie Cunningham. The former Phoenix Mercury guard has come off the bench in all 17 games she has played for Indiana this year. Cunningham previously started during her time in Phoenix.
Along with McDonald and Cunningham, the rest of the Fever's starting lineup will remain relatively unchanged, with Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard all keeping their spots.
Aari McDonald & Sophie Cunningham join the starting 5. pic.twitter.com/wXOqugqDCQ
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 16, 2025
Cunningham has come alive for the Fever over her last three games off the bench, scoring in double-digits in each. She also showed off her defensive abilities in the win over Connecticut, recording three steals.
Following the Liberty game, the Fever won't be back in action until Tuesday due to the All-Star break, facing New York once again.
Related: Liberty Coach Sandy Brondello Makes Caitlin Clark Admission After Fever Star's New Injury
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
