Sophie Cunningham Out With Ankle Injury Ahead of Fever’s Season Opener Against Chicago

In a disheartening turn of events for the Indiana Fever, guard Sophie Cunningham will be sidelined for the team’s season opener against the Chicago Sky due to a right ankle injury. The announcement, made by the Fever on Friday, raises concerns for fans and teammates alike as the team gears up for the start of the WNBA season.

The Injury Explained

Cunningham, at 28 years old, sustained her ankle injury during the Fever’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream on May 10. The injury occurred in the third quarter when she rolled her ankle after colliding with Atlanta player Rhyne Howard while attempting to secure a rebound. After the incident, Cunningham exited the game and did not return, prompting considerable concern over her health.

Upcoming Games

While Fever coach Stephanie White has remained cautious about the details surrounding Cunningham’s condition, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing long-term health over a quick return. Although Cunningham has shown signs of progress, White indicated the team’s intention to take an informed, gradual approach regarding her recovery. They don’t want to rush her back into play only to risk exacerbating the injury.

• Out for Season Opener: Cunningham will not play against the Sky this Saturday.
• No Set Return Timeline: The Fever have not released a specific timeline for her return.
• Monitoring Progress: Coach White said they will take things day by day.

During a recent practice session, Cunningham attempted a half-court shot, insisting she was capable of playing. White humorously referred to this as “fraudulent,” pointing out the irony of her participating in shooting drills after being absent from practice due to her injury. “I think she’s made great progress, but we remain focused on the big picture,” White added.

Impact on the Team

With Cunningham’s absence, the Fever will look to other players to step up. The 2025 season is critical, especially with six games scheduled in the first two weeks. White shared, “Sometimes you have to save players from themselves.” This highlights the balancing act teams face when dealing with player injuries, with long-term wellness often in conflict with immediate game-day decisions.

These sentiments mirror the frustrations felt by the Fever’s fan base, who has seen a fair share of player injuries over recent seasons. Positioning the team for a successful yet cautious start to the season is paramount as they look to establish a strong foundation moving forward.

Cunningham’s Journey with the Fever

Since joining the Fever from the Phoenix Mercury in January as part of a four-team trade, Cunningham has shown promise. Originally drafted out of Missouri in 2019 with the 13th pick, she averaged 8.4 points and 3.9 rebounds last season. In her preseason appearances, she notably contributed with scores of 21, 6, and 5, helping the Fever achieve a strong showing with a 3-0 record before the injury struck.

As the Fever prepare to face off against the Sky, excitement abounds with rookie sensation Caitlin Clark leading the charge. Fans will be anticipating how Indiana adjusts to Cunningham’s absence while hoping for her speedy and full recovery.

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Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky, WNBA, ankle injury, Stephanie White, basketball, Rhyne Howard, Caitlin Clark, preseason games