Guard injuries plague Indiana Fever as WNBA playoffs near

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever are down three guards the rest of the season — with Caitlin Clark’s future up in the air — all because of injuries.      

“This is by far the most injuries I’ve had to cover for the season for the Fever,” said Tony East, host of “Locked On Pacers,” who also covers the Fever.

Those injuries are stacking up. Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald are out for the season, while Clark has missed 13 straight games with a groin injury. Cunningham injured her right knee during a game on Sunday against the Connecticut Sun.

“They’re all guards. They’re all ball handlers and that’s why the Fever are in a tricky spot with the season. Ten games left,” East said.

East said it’s not just the Fever experiencing more injuries it’s happening across the league.

“Physicality is fine, but the refs have to do a good job of keeping games safe and calling fouls, and a lot of players don’t feel like it’s happening enough,” he said.

East said a more demanding WNBA schedule is also playing a role.

“It’s so many games after games and less recovery time. That’s what makes this week so significant for the Fever. Less practice time. There are more injuries. Specifically, ACL injuries,” he said.

Medical experts say this can also come from athletes pushing themselves — sometimes a little too hard. Dr. Allison Bauman not only coaches young athletes, but she also treats them as a physical therapist. She said ACL and meniscus injuries are common among female athletes.

“There is some information out there about the differences and the strength balances in females vs. males. Some of that can contribute. There is oftentimes some genetic predisposition,” Bauman said.

She said taking care of your body before and after the game is important. This is why she works to set a foundation for these young athletes early.

“It’s going to kind of come down to have they taken the steps to get ahead of the game and be preventative and build their strength and range of motion,” Bauman said. 

East said it’s more important than ever for the WNBA to address the issues behind the injuries.

“If fans are less interested in attending your game or watching it on TV, this hurts everyone,” he said.

Another idea East said the league should consider is paying the athletes more, so they don’t have to play overseas in the offseason. He said that could put less stress on the players’ bodies.