The Indiana Fever are set to face the Seattle Storm, but the absence of veteran forward DeWanna Bonner has become a major talking point among fans and analysts alike. Bonner has been away from the team due to personal reasons, leaving a void in the Fever's lineup and raising questions about when she might return.
Bonner has been away from the Fever since June 12, and has already missed games against the New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, and Golden State Valkyries. She also missed the Fever's recent game against the Las Vegas Aces and is expected to miss tonight's game against the Storm. This absence leaves the Fever with only 10 available players.
Fever coach Stephanie White addressed the situation, stating that Bonner is "doing well," but there remains "no timeline" for her return. White emphasized the team's support for Bonner during her time away, highlighting the understanding and flexibility within the organization.
Bonner's absence potentially opens the door for the Fever to sign a hardship player, according to the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement. The agreement allows a team to sign an emergency hardship player if they have fewer than ten players available due to injuries, illnesses, or other extenuating circumstances. The Fever have already used this exception this season, signing Aari McDonald when Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham were previously sidelined. Additionally, the Fever will be further short-handed with Damiris Dantas set to depart after the Seattle game to compete in the FIBA AmeriCup with the Brazilian National Team, meaning she will miss five games.
Before her leave, Bonner played in five regular-season games, averaging 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals across 22.0 minutes per game. These statistics, while not her career highs, showcase her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. In June, however, she has averaged just 6.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. For her career, Bonner has averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 511 regular-season games across 16 seasons.
The Indiana Fever (6-7) head into tonight's game against the Seattle Storm (9-5) on a three-game road losing streak. Recently, the Aces defeated the Fever 89-81. Aliyah Boston stood out in that game, scoring 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. As a team, the Fever are averaging 83.2 points per game, ranking fourth in the league. They are shooting 45.7% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range.
The Seattle Storm, on the other hand, are coming off a win against the New York Liberty with a score of 89-79. The Storm are currently fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 83.1 points per game, and are allowing 78.4 points per game. The Storm's offense is led by Skylar Diggins, who averages 18.4 points and 6.1 assists per game. Nneka Ogwumike is the team's leading rebounder, averaging 8.4 boards per game, alongside 17.8 points.
According to projections, the Storm are favored to win against the Fever.
