Indiana Fever get welcome Sophie Cunningham update before Aces game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Indiana Fever received a much-needed boost ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Las Vegas Aces. After missing multiple practices earlier this week because of an illness, veteran guard Sophie Cunningham appears set to return to the lineup. The timing couldn’t be better for Indiana, which is already expected to be without Caitlin Clark as it faces one of the WNBA’s toughest opponents.
Cunningham has become one of the Fever’s most valuable role players during her first season with the franchise, providing energy, perimeter shooting and veteran leadership off the bench. While she admitted she isn’t completely back to full strength, the latest update suggests she’ll be available when Indiana takes the floor against Las Vegas.
Sophie Cunningham expected to suit up against Las Vegas
Earlier this week, Cunningham missed the Fever’s practices on Tuesday and Wednesday while recovering from an undisclosed illness. Her absence raised concerns about whether she would be available for Sunday’s nationally anticipated matchup. Those concerns eased Friday when Cunningham returned to practice and met with reporters afterward.
“I feel better,” Cunningham said. “Just kind of waiting for my energy and this headache to kind of go away a little bit. But I’m here, and so that’s great.”
She also joked that she had spent the previous few days “rotting in bed” while recovering. Perhaps the biggest indication of her status came from Indiana’s latest injury report. Cunningham was not listed, signaling the Fever expect her to be available against the Aces. Caitlin Clark remains the only player on Indiana’s injury report.
Cunningham has become a key piece for the Fever
Cunningham has provided steady production throughout the 2026 season. She’s averaging 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists while bringing toughness, defensive intensity and reliable three-point shooting to Indiana’s second unit.
In the Fever’s most recent game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Cunningham scored nine points while adding two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 20 minutes. Her biggest performance came on June 16 against the Toronto Tempo, when she erupted for 24 points while knocking down six of her seven attempts from beyond the arc.
That outing highlighted an impressive four-game stretch during which Cunningham averaged 15.0 points per game and gave the Fever another consistent scoring option alongside Clark and Aliyah Boston.
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Fever will lean on Cunningham without Caitlin Clark
If Clark is unable to play Sunday, Cunningham’s role becomes even more important. The veteran guard gives Indiana another proven perimeter scorer who can help space the floor while bringing the competitive edge that has quickly made her a favorite among Fever fans.
Las Vegas remains one of the WNBA’s premier teams despite dealing with injuries of its own, meaning Indiana will need contributions throughout the roster to keep pace. Getting Cunningham back in uniform may not grab headlines the way a superstar return would, but it’s the type of positive development that could make a significant difference as the Fever look to earn an important victory before the All-Star break.
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