Every game feels like do-or-die for the Indiana Fever, and this one’s no different. With both Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham sidelined, the Fever head to Chicago facing a massive gut check. Can they prove they’re more than just Clark’s team? With two of their loudest on-court voices missing, it’s a test of grit, depth, and identity—and all eyes are on how they’ll answer.
Injury Updates
Sophie Cunningham (right ankle) will not suit up for the Fever against the Sky, as confirmed by Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star. “Caitlin Clark (left quad) and Sophie Cunningham (right ankle) remain out for the Fever for tomorrow’s game at Chicago,” she reported Friday. Assistant coach Austin Kelly offered a small update on Cunningham’s progress: “She was able to get in limited reps today, still trying to work her way back … make sure she doesn’t have any setbacks.”
Caitlin Clark (left quad) and Sophie Cunningham (right ankle) remain out for the Fever for tomorrow’s game at Chicago.
Moriah Jefferson (lower leg) is out for the Sky.
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 6, 2025
Cunningham is projected to return by June 10, the same tentative return date for Caitlin Clark. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky will also be without guard Moriah Jefferson (leg), whose absence was confirmed by Peterson as well.
Starting Lineups
With the injuries reshaping both squads, the expected starting five for the Fever will be:
NaLyssa Howard (#6)
Aliyah Boston (#7)
Sydney Colson (#51)
Kelsey Mitchell (#0)
Lexie Hull (#10)
The Sky counters with:
Ariel Atkins (#7)
Kamilla Cardoso (#10)
Courtney Vandersloot (#22)
Kia Nurse (#11)
Angel Reese (#5)
Fever Minus Clark & Cunningham Gear Up for Gritty Battle vs Sky: Who Has the Edge?
Even without Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever walk into the United Center with momentum—and perhaps more importantly, a psychological edge. They crushed the Sky 93–58 in their last meeting on May 18 and are coming off a confident 85–76 win over the Mystics. With Kelsey Mitchell leading the charge at 17.4 PPG and a 43.6% team field goal rate, Indiana has shown it can stay composed under pressure.
May 4, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts during the third quarter against the Brazil National Team at Carver-Haweye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Fever are also statistically stronger in key areas—points per game (85.3 vs 81.7), defensive efficiency (allowing just 79.9 vs Chicago’s 92.0), and overall shooting accuracy. But where the Sky shines is on the boards, grabbing 37.8 rebounds per game. With Ariel Atkins averaging 15.3 points on an impressive 47.6% shooting clip and Angel Reese adding energy in the paint, they’ve found a rhythm of their own.
Betting markets reflect this tight matchup. The Fever enter as -175 moneyline favorites, with a spread of -3.5. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Indiana a 58.3% chance to win, mirroring the oddsmakers’ faith in their depth and consistency.
Still, playing without two top guards is no small challenge. Expect a tight affair, but if Mitchell, Boston, and Hull keep the pace steady, Indiana could very well grind out a second straight win in the season series.
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