Professional basketball player Aari McDonald, a key figure for the Indiana Fever, rules out playing for the 2025 season due to a persistent foot injury.
The Indiana Fever are facing a tough stretch in the 2025 WNBA season, with several key guards sidelined by injuries. Aari McDonald, Caitlin Clark, and Sydney Colson are all out for the season, leaving the team with only nine active guards on their roster[1][2][4].
McDonald, who was signed by the Fever on a hardship contract after Clark suffered a quad injury, became a mainstay for the team, starting 13 of 20 games for the team[3]. In a game against the Phoenix Mercury on August 7, McDonald sustained a broken bone in her right foot during the fourth quarter[2]. She was replaced by Kelsey Mitchell with 7:22 remaining in the fourth quarter[2].
Prior to the injury, McDonald showcased her skills, sinking a 17-foot jumper to cut the deficit to 24 points[2]. The Fever are now left with Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Sophie Cunningham as their remaining active guards[4].
The Fever's backcourt depth has been severely depleted, and the team must improvise with their remaining roster members. They cannot sign any players to a hardship contract until after Saturday's matchup against the Chicago Sky, due to league rules[5]. The team is exploring the option of adding a hardship player soon, but due to timing constraints, they cannot do so immediately[2].
With the trade deadline passed, acquiring new players externally is not feasible, so the Fever must rely on their existing roster depth and potential position shifts[4]. Veteran guards like Sophie Cunningham, who was performing a wing/backcourt role and could help handle ball duties, might be counted on more; however, she is now also confirmed to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, further straining depth[5].
Younger players or forwards who have some ball-handling skills may be required to step into primary ball-handler or facilitator roles despite not being natural point guards[1][3]. The Fever will host the Chicago Sky Saturday night, with tip-off at 8 p.m. ET on CBS[6].
Meanwhile, the Fever continue to vie for a playoff spot, with a record of 17-14[1]. The team's resilience and adaptability will be tested as they navigate the rest of the season without their key guards.
[1] Indiana Fever Depth Chart [2] Indiana Fever Injury Report [3] Indiana Fever Game Log [4] Indiana Fever Roster Depth [5] Indiana Fever Roster Rules [6] Indiana Fever Schedule
- The Indiana Fever's prospects for the 2025 WNBA playoffs are uncertain, given their ongoing injury problems with key guards.
- Aari McDonald, who had been filling in admirably as a starter, suffered a broken bone in her right foot and is out for the season.
- As they look to cope with the injury to McDonald and the absence of other guards, the Fever are examining the possibility of adding a hardship player to their roster.
- With the trade deadline past and external reinforcements ruled out, the Fever must lean on their existing roster, potentially calling upon younger players or forwards for ball-handling duties.
