Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana Fever Make Unexpected Roster Change During Caitlin Clark's Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 7:55 PM ET

The Indiana Fever didn't look the same without their All-WNBA point guard, Caitlin Clark, falling to the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night.

Fast forward 24 hours, the Fever are back at it again, this time hitting the road to face Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. And, once again, Clark remains out with her groin injury.

Clark will be out for her seventh game of the 2025 WNBA season, missing five straight starting in late May due to a groin injury. Backup point guard Sydney Colson, who joined the team in the offseason, has replaced Clark in the starting lineup in each of the six previous games the former Iowa star has missed.

But the Fever have decided to switch it up for Friday's matchup. According to Fieldhouse Files' Scott Agness, coach Stephanie White will be going with new signee Aari McDonald.

Aari McDonald will start tonight’s Fever game in Dallas.

On the offensive end, Steph White is emphasizing screening, spacing, and attention to details.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 27, 2025

McDonald initially signed with the Fever on June 1 via emergency hardship exception. With Clark and Sophie Cunningham (right ankle) out at the same time, the Fever had under 10 available players on their roster and needed to add one, which led to Indiana adding McDonald.

McDonald was released following the return of both guards, but rejoined the Fever on Wednesday for the remainder of the season. This came in light of DeWanna Bonner getting waived and Damiris Dantas leaving Indiana to join the Brazil national team.

McDonald has impressed in her four games with Indiana, averaging 11.8 points on 41.4% shooting, 1.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals, leading the team in the defensive category. This includes Thursday's loss against LA, putting up 14 points off the bench.

Colson, on the other hand, hasn’t been as productive in the box score through 14 games played, including the six in which she filled in for Clark. The former Aces guard is averaging 2.8 points on 36.8% shooting, 1.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

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

More must-reads: