Indiana Fever’s Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson Out for Season

The Indiana Fever’s struggles with injuries have intensified, as the franchise announced that both Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson will miss the remainder of the season due to serious injuries sustained during their recent matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. This latest setback adds to a long list of health issues that have plagued the Fever throughout the year, including the notable absence of star guard Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined for 18 of the team’s 31 contests.

According to CBS Sports, the injuries to McDonald and Colson were confirmed following the Fever’s disappointing 95-60 loss to the Mercury. McDonald, who has been a bright spot for Indiana since her arrival on a hardship exemption, suffered a fracture in her right foot, while Colson is facing a torn ACL in her left knee. Both players have played crucial roles in the backcourt, and their absence will be felt as the season winds down.

McDonald, the former No. 3 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, joined the Fever earlier in the season and quickly became an integral part of the team’s lineup. Over her 20 appearances, she averaged 9.8 points and 4.7 assists per game, showcasing her ability to contribute significantly in extended playing time, including 13 starts. Her shooting percentage of 42.9% from the floor reflects her efficiency and offensive prowess, making her loss particularly challenging for the Fever.

Colson, a seasoned veteran, has been a reliable presence on the court, participating in 30 games this season with averages of 2.4 points and 2.0 assists per game. Her experience and depth in the backcourt have been invaluable, especially in a season where the Fever have had to adapt to numerous lineup changes due to injuries.

As reported by CBS Sports, with Colson and McDonald officially ruled out for the year, the Fever are left to navigate the remainder of the season with a depleted roster. The team’s depth will be tested, and they will need to rely heavily on their remaining players to fill the void left by these key injuries. The absence of Clark, who continues to recover from a groin injury, further complicates matters for Indiana as they seek to find their footing in the WNBA.

The Fever’s front office will now have to consider their options moving forward, particularly how to bolster their roster in the face of these setbacks. The team’s performance in the upcoming games will be crucial as they look to finish the season strong despite the mounting challenges.

While the Fever have faced adversity this season, the organization is hopeful that the return of their star players will pave the way for a brighter future. As they regroup and reassess, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts to these latest injuries.