​LOS ANGELES — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is questionable to play in Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks after suffering back spasms during warmups, according to an update released mid-first quarter. Cunningham, who serves as a reserve for wing Lexie Hull, averages 9.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in about 22.5 minutes per contest.
She had appeared to go through warmups as usual, even signing autographs for fans while mimicking her viral pointing meme, but she was not on the bench to begin the first period. She did return to the bench during a coach’s challenge with 3:09 remaining in the opening stanza.
Indiana has leaned toward a smaller lineup so far this season, though development player Bree Hall is active for Wednesday’s game should the Fever need an extra true backup wing. The team is also without center Aliyah Boston, who is sidelined with a lower right leg injury.
Cunningham’s absence from practice last week was due to an illness, but she had returned ahead of the Fever’s four-game trip out west. She contributed 21 minutes in Sunday’s 84-68 win over the Las Vegas Aces, finishing with nine points on 3-for-6 shooting, plus a rebound and an assist.
Midway through the first quarter, Cunningham was not on the bench, yet she sprinted to the bench during a stoppage for a coach’s challenge with 3:09 left in the period. She then checked in for the first time as the fifth player off the bench, and the injury status was being monitored as the game progressed.
Cunningham is averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 22.9 minutes per game. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. You can reach her at chloe.peterson@indystar.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. For ongoing fever coverage and Caitlin Clark updates, subscribe to IndyStar’s newsletters and follow IndyStar’s reporting for comprehensive analysis and behind-the-scenes access.
This article originally appeared in the Indianapolis Star, detailing the status of Sophie Cunningham in the Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks matchup. The piece emphasizes her injury status, recent performance, and how the Fever might adapt without her if she cannot play. The content is intended to provide fans with a clear picture of Cunningham’s condition and Indiana’s rotation against an AL West foe, while noting her role and contributions to the team this season.