Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana Fever’s Playoff Chances Hit Hard as Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald Ruled Out for Entire Season

Point guard depth collapses, with Caitlin Clark also sidelined

Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indiana Fever has suffered a major blow as their roster depth has blown out ahead of a crucial seasonal phase. Yesterday’s clash with Phoenix Mercury turned disastrous for Indiana Fever, with a lopsided defeat compounded by multiple injury setbacks.

Sydney Colson left the game in the first quarter after suffering a non-contact injury to her knee. While, Sophie Cunningham left the game in the second quarter after she felt something in her knee. It was nothing serious for Cunningham, as she returned and continued in the second half.

Aari McDonald was the third player to feel the heat and exited the Mercury game in the fourth quarter. The Indiana Fever confirmed on Friday that Sydney Colson suffered an ACL tear, and that Aari McDonald also suffered a broken bone in her leg.

Sydney Colson (left ACL tear) and Aari McDonald (broken bone in right foot) will both miss the remainder of the season after suffering injuries during our game in Phoenix on Thursday.

more info: https://t.co/ekwpXj4Mcu pic.twitter.com/bEsmKUgspU
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 8, 2025

Both the players will now miss the remainder of the season. This leaves the Fever without any point guards, with Caitlin Clark also sidelined due to an injury and unavailable for immediate return. The former rookie player of the year has missed action for almost a month now, due to a groin injury.

Double Blow Leaves Fever Scrambling Replacements

This wave of injuries could not have arrived at a worse time, with Indiana Fever pushing hard to qualify for the postseason. WNBA’s provision allows teams to sign replacements when they fall below the 10 available players mark. Indiana has only nine available players on their roster.

However, both injured players must miss at least a game before the provision sets in. Meaning, the Indiana Fever will be eligible for emergency replacements only after their Saturday night home game against the Chicago Sky.

Fever will have to figure out a short term fix as well given the lack of quality options on the market. Stephanie White is expected to switch ball handling duties between Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham.

In this situation, Lexi Hull is expected to take on extended minutes on the wing for Indiana Fever. That keeps shooting and physicality around Boston while preserving defensive matchups as best as possible.