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DeWanna Bonner’s sudden absence from the Indiana Fever isn’t just noticeable; it leaves a tangible void in the team’s rhythm. The six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion has missed the last two games due to personal reasons, with no clear timetable for return, and fans are concerned.

Her disappearance comes at a crucial time. With Caitlin Clark only just returning from a quad injury and immediately exploding for a season-high 32 points in a 102–88 win over the defending champion New York Liberty, the Fever are finding their footing. But Bonner’s absence threatens that balance. She isn’t just a scorer; she’s the veteran anchor of this young team, the calming presence in tense fourth quarters, and the mentor to rising stars like Aliyah Boston and Clark herself. In her nine appearances this season, Bonner has averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals—not flashy numbers, but meaningful contributions that stabilize both ends of the floor, especially during Clark’s absence.

Bonner has now missed back-to-back games against the New York Liberty and her former team, the Connecticut Sun. And she doesn’t seem to be returning anytime soon either. According to Chloe Peterson of the IndyStar, the veteran forward is also set to miss the Fever’s upcoming match against the Golden State Valkyries. Head coach Stephanie White told reporters that Bonner is “purely day-to-day” and wouldn’t confirm whether she would travel with the team. 

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The game against the Sun was particularly significant—Bonner spent five years there, made three All-Star appearances, and led the team to deep playoff runs. She also shared the court—and her life—with star forward Alyssa Thomas. The two, now engaged, parted ways in free agency, with Thomas going to Phoenix and Bonner signing with Indiana. Her absence from that emotional matchup only intensified speculation.

Naturally, fans are growing increasingly concerned about the 37-year-old’s unexplained absence. “Sending prayer good vibes & thoughts her way- I hope everything is okay” one fan said on X. This was echoed widely across social media, as fans flooded timelines not with demands for answers, but with empathy. Let’s take a look at some more of such fan reactions.

Fans react to DeWanna Bonner’s absence

Fans are visibly concerned, and their reactions on social media reflect just how deeply they care for the 6x WNBA All Star. “Really hope DeWanna Bonner and her loved ones are ok. Prayers up. Nothing but love from Fever fam. ❤️,” one fan said. That concern runs deeper than her stats. Bonner is seen as the team’s steadying force—someone who bridges the rookie energy of Clark with the institutional wisdom of a multi-time champion. When she’s missing, fans don’t just worry about rotations—they worry about the locker room losing one of its most grounding voices. Another fan posted: “Prayers for DB, I hope she resolves the issues and comes out healthy and happy”

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What’s your perspective on:

Can the Fever maintain their momentum without DeWanna Bonner, or is her absence too big a blow?

Have an interesting take?

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Her bench role this year was already being watched closely—transitioning from starter to sixth woman in a new environment isn’t easy, and some fans saw in her absence a possible sign of personal or emotional fatigue. But the reaction has been resoundingly compassionate. “OK, what is happening?? I hope everything is OK with DB. 😟” one fan commented.

While the exact reason for Bonner’s absence remains unknown, as mentioned above, coach White remained cryptic and didn’t offer much clarity either. “I think she’s doing as well as she can be right now,” White said on Friday. “We’re going to continue to support her and give her the time that she needs.” 

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It remains to be seen when DB is able to make her comeback to the Fever side. Fans continue to express their concern and support online, with one writing, “Hopefully all is well for DeWanna Bonner. 💞 #WNBA” Whatever she’s going through, the whole basketball world is standing behind her. We are hoping she comes back stronger and is ready to play her part in Indiana’s push for immortality this season.

Bonner’s leadership and defensive prowess will be crucial as the Fever push for a playoff spot, and fans are eager to see her return stronger, supported by a community that’s shown unwavering love.

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  Debate

Can the Fever maintain their momentum without DeWanna Bonner, or is her absence too big a blow?

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