Temi Fagbenle’s Shoulder Injury Raises Concerns
As the Indiana Fever gear up for the WNBA playoffs, they face a significant hurdle with forward Temi Fagbenle potentially sidelined due to a right shoulder injury. While there has been no official confirmation regarding the duration of Fagbenle’s absence, her status for the upcoming game against the LA Sparks on Wednesday remains uncertain.
Chloe Peterson of IndyStar reports that this injury marks Fagbenle’s third setback of the season, further limiting her availability. Despite her limited playtime—having participated in only 16 games this year—Fagbenle has been a valuable asset off the bench, averaging 6.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 19 minutes per game.
The timing of Fagbenle’s injury is particularly inconvenient for the Fever, who have been on a strong run since the Olympic break, posting a 6-1 record and securing the sixth seed in the playoff race. With a critical stretch of six consecutive home games ahead, followed by a regular-season finale against the Washington Mystics on September 19, the Fever are striving to maintain their momentum.
Fagbenle’s Praise for Clark
Due to her injury, Fagbenle’s court time with rookie standout Caitlin Clark has been limited. Nonetheless, Fagbenle has consistently praised Clark’s influence on the team. Back in May, she commended Clark for her exceptional leadership and playmaking abilities, which have significantly bolstered the Fever’s competitiveness. Fagbenle’s high regard for Clark underscores the latter’s impact on the team’s performance as they head into the playoffs.
