Indiana Fever Star Out Vs. Mercury Amid Injury Problems

The Indiana Fever are back on the floor against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. After a long layoff, WNBA play resumes, with some games kicking off on Thursday.

Unfortunately for the Fever, they will be without a key player once again. It was reported on Thursday that Temi Fagbenle was ruled out due to a right thumb injury, per the official announcement from the Fever.

"Tomorrow's Game Status Report vs. Phoenix: Temi Fagbenle - Out (Right Thumb)"

The injury-riddled campaign continues for Fagbenle. She dealt with a foot injury earlier in the season and was out for a month.

Then, she sustained a right thumb injury in the game against the Las Vegas Aces on July 2.

It was only her third game back on the court since returning, so it's a concerning trend for the Fever center.

Earlier in the week, Fever head coach Christie Sides gave an encouraging update on Fagbenle's status.

“We’re close," Sides said. "We’re a lot closer than we were before the break. We don’t want to do anything that will set her back even more, so we're just being very cautious.”

On the year, Fagbenle has played in just 11 games, averaging 8.5 PPG with 5.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists during that span. She has just two starts, but the biggest issue has been staying healthy.

The Fever enter the second half of the WNBA season with an 11-15 record as they try and make a push for a playoff spot.

Related: Christie Sides Gives Injury Update On Key Indiana Fever Player

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