WNBA Player on Temporary Leave Sends Clear Message to Indiana Fever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 6:39 PM ET

The Indiana Fever are heading into a hostile environment with several players out of the lineup.

Indiana will be missing Caitlin Clark, due to an injury, and Damiris Dantas, due to an overseas commitment, for their matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.

Before the Fever face the Lynx on Tuesday night for the Commissioner's Cup final, Dantas sent a message to the team.

Dantas shared her support for the Fever while she's competing in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tournament with the Brazilian National Team.

The Fever shared the message on their official YouTube channel: "Hey Fever. Good luck. I miss you."

Dantas temporarily left the team during her second season with the Fever. She has averaged 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13 games this season, serving as a vital piece to the front court for head coach Stephanie White.

While they will be missing Dantas, the Fever will rely on inside production from Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard and company against the Lynx.

Indiana has certainly proven that it has the ability to compete with teams at the highest level of the league. But the shorthanded Fever could have their hands full against the Lynx, who have the best record in the WNBA at 14-2.

The Fever enter Tuesday's game 8-8, tied with the Las Vegas Aces for the seventh-best record in the 13-team WNBA. The top eight teams will qualify for the playoffs.

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

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