The Indiana Fever is one of the stories of the season, but not always for the right reasons. A team that was expected to make a push for the championship currently finds itself with a 7-7 record. One of the pieces that everyone assumed would make the Fever a legitimate title contender, in DeWanna Bonner, is now gone. Stepping in is a familiar face in Aari McDonald. The question is, can she spark the momentum this team desperately needs to stay in the playoff hunt? We’re about to find out. Up next for the Fever is another side who are struggling this season. The Los Angeles Sparks!

Much like the Fever, the Sparks made headlines during the offseason. Kelsey Plum’s trade from the Aces had fans excited for the upcoming season. But that excitement soon went poof. The Sparks have now lost four straight games and sit at a disappointing 4-11 record at the beginning of the season. With the Fever set to take on the Sparks, let’s break down the injury report for both teams and see who might have the edge heading into this encounter.

Where to watch

You can watch these two teams clash on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. For those unable to attend the game, don’t worry, we have got you covered on that front as well! The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and FDSIN. It can also be viewed by taking the WNBA pass.

Injury report: Will Aari McDonald play?

The Sparks are still waiting to see when superstar Cameron Brink will be back in action as she continues to recover from her ACL injury. Rae Burrell, out since the opener with a leg injury, is also unavailable. Apart from that, Odyssey Sims has also been ruled out due to personal reasons.

On the other hand, the Fever head into the game with a healthy roster. The only missing piece is Damiris Dantas, who is away on national team duty. While there is no confirmation about Aari McDonald’s status, it is expected that she will play tonight.

Probable Starting 5

Indiana Fever

• Caitlin Clark
• Lexie Hull
• Kelsey Mitchell
• Natasha Howard
• Aliyah Boston

Los Angeles Sparks

• Kelsey Plum
• Shey Peddy
• Rickea Jackson
• Azura Stevens
• Dearica Hamby

Will Aari McDonald provide the spark for Indiana to win?

The Fever will be heading into this game as favorites, and for good reason. The Sparks are on a 4-game losing streak while the Fever are coming off an inspired win against the Seattle Storm. And when you add the fact that Caitlin Clark wasn’t at her best? It makes it even more impressive. Now, with Bonner gone, Aari McDonald’s addition will also be a huge boost to the side.

In her 3 games for the Fever, McDonald scored 11 points and 3 assists. So her minutes off the bench will certainly be a key to watch out for. It’s no surprise to see ESPN give Indiana a 73.1% chance of winning. A quick look at the numbers can also strengthen the case for a Fever win.

The Sparks are allowing 87.1 points per game, while the Fever are holding their opponents to just 79.3. On the offensive side, Plum and co are putting up 81.3 points per game, but McDonald and the Fever have the edge there too, as they are averaging 84 a game. The numbers are clearly in favor of Indiana.

But if there’s one thing we know about basketball, it’s that surprises are always around the corner. Aari McDonald’s new entry to the side definitely makes the Fever a lot stronger than they were in the last game. But a lot will depend on whether Clark can find her shooting form again. Who do you have as the winner? Let us know in the comments down below!