Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana Fever Guard Suffers Setback Amid WNBA Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 3:34 PM ET

The Indiana Fever's 2025 WNBA season was defined by the team's ability to overcome injuries, particularly at the guard position. Second-year superstar Caitlin Clark only played 13 games all season, but head coach Stephanie White was able to rally the team to a 24-20 record and a remarkable playoff run that fell one game short of the WNBA Finals.

When Clark went down early in the season, the Fever turned to Aari McDonald as a replacement point guard. McDonald quickly became a fan favorite for her high-energy play and scoring ability, highlighted by a career-high 27-point game against the Phoenix Mercury on July 30. Unfortunately, she joined Clark and guards like Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham on the season-ending injury list when she broke her foot in August.

Indiana Fever guard Aari McDonald (2) yells in excitement during the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

McDonald, 27, was able to parlay her success last summer into a contract with Breeze in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league this offseason. She was thrilled for the opening game of the season on Monday night against Fever teammate Aliyah Boston and Phantom.

"Today is my first time playing in almost 5 months," McDonald posted on X before the game.

Her return to the court did not go as planned. Breeze won 69-62 behind 24 points from Paige Bueckers, but McDonald only had two points in six minutes before leaving the game in the third quarter due to what appeared to be some kind of injury.

Please be okay Aari. We’ve seen that look before. Prayers to my girl. pic.twitter.com/66yQUJQbqQ
— ericaf455 (@ericaf455) January 6, 2026

She committed an intentional foul so she could check out of the game and could be seen walking straight back to the locker room with staff. It was unclear how she got hurt or what was being evaluated. McDonald did not return to the game.

That kind of setback was the last thing fans wanted to see, especially after the trials and tribulations caused by injuries during the Fever's 2025 season.

After the injury scare, McDonald was able to share a positive update on social media on Tuesday.

Had a little scare last night.
I’m all good yall
— Aari McDonald (@McdonaldAari2) January 6, 2026

"Had a little scare last night," McDonald wrote on X. "I’m all good yall."

Assuming she is healthy, McDonald will be back in action for Breeze's next game against Hive on Friday at 8:45 p.m. ET on TNT and truTV.

It will feature a matchup against the Fever's All-WNBA guard Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 11 points in a 72-56 loss in Hive's opening game of the Unrivaled season against Mist on Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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