The 2025 preseason has ticked all the right boxes for the Indiana Fever. The off-season moves already had them as the championship contenders, but the first two games? They were a look into the offensive powerhouse the team is going to come out as. Depth, experience, defense– they have it all locked in. The next game against the Atlanta Dream, however, will be the final chance for the Fever to decide on their roster and set the momentum for the season ahead.
But while Stephanie White has declared not to let anyone sit out this game, their veteran, Damiris Dantas, has been obliged to. Yes, the Indiana Fever, looking to enter the 2025 WNBA season on a high note, will be without their experienced center, affecting the rotations. But what is keeping her out?
Damiris Dantas added to the injury list
The star veteran’s absence has been a glaring concern ever since the training camp took off. Giving a little deja vu, Dantas missed the media day for the second consecutive year with the Fever later last month. In the days that followed, she was either absent from the training camp or looked unwell during practices in the clips that surfaced. The forward would not play (coach’s decision) in the first game either. However, after the fans’ continued concerns over the week, Dantas’ status was finally revealed in the injury report.
As per the confirmed reports, Damiris Dantas has suffered a left lower leg injury, forcing her to sit out against the Atlanta Dream. The return date has not been declared just yet, and neither has the cause.
The Fever franchise now has 12 players on the roster. The side waived talents like Bree Hall, Jillian Alleyne, and Yvonne Ejim. Makayla Timpson impressed enough to make the cut in the ‘championship hungry’ side. And now, after the latest injury report on Damiris Dantas, she might as well have to step up her game.
Damiris Dantas is out for the Fever’s final preseason game at Atlanta tomorrow with a lower left leg injury.
She’s the only player on the injury report.
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 9, 2025
Dantas had found herself in a similar situation last year when she missed the first week of the training camp due to visa issue and death in the family. But also was returning with a knee injury. But she went on to play 20 games, contributing 4.5 points and 2.2 on an average. The forward impressed the front office enough to be protected for 2025 ahead of Temi Fagbenle. Though it raised some eyebrows, the Fever were clear with their intent.
With just six days remaining for the 2025 WNBA season to start, Dantas hopefully makes it back as the team charges towards championship. But what has her history got to say?
Damiris Dantas’ injury history reflects one thing
Damiris is just one of five players from the 2024 squad who returned to the Fever this season. This emphasises her importance on the side, who preferred to build the championship team from free agency and draft picks. But the star already has a pretty lengthy injury history.
Entering the WNBA, she showed a lot of promise, but her rookie season was marred by a calf injury that sidelined her for several games. With slight injuries on a regular basis, Damiris never completed a complete season with her teams. From a Maximum of 34 games down to even 15 games, her availability was limited.
In 2021, Dantas suffered a significant injury that kept her out for a season. The Lisfranc injury to her right foot required a longer recovery time, putting the Brazilian star away from the game. Fortunately, surgery was not required, and she focused on rehabilitation to return stronger the following year.
Her recurring injury issues shadowed her impressive performances, and WNBA franchises opted out to sign Dantas in 2023. She played on the OGM Ormanspor team in the Turkish league for the 2023 season. Then the Indiana Fever gave Damiris an entry back into the WNBA, signing her on a multi-year contract.
Damiris Dantas, the Brazilian forward, has faced her fair share of injuries throughout her WNBA career. However, her determination and resilience have allowed her to overcome these challenges and continue contributing to her team’s success. Now with a chance to impact the contender side, Damiris will be eager to get back on the Fever roster.
The post What Happened to Damiris Dantas? Digging Deeper Into Indiana Fever Star’s Injury Scare Ahead of Atlanta Clash appeared first on EssentiallySports.
