Damiris Dantas expected to debut for Fever on road trip

Indiana Fever forward Damiris Dantas is ready to play four months after an MCL injury.

Dantas, 31, is a nine-year veteran, having played six seasons in two stints with the Minnesota Lynx and three seasons with the Atlanta Dream before joining the Fever on a guaranteed two-year contract in February.

Dantas, a 6-foot-4 forward, told the media after Wednesday's practice that she should be able to play on the Fever's road trip, which begins Thursday in Seattle, then heads to Phoenix on Sunday and concludes in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

"I'm so excited," Dantas said. "I couldn't wait for this moment. I worked hard to be ready, to help my teammates, help the team, so now it's just the best part, to enjoy it."

The Brazilian native, who took a year off from the WNBA after the 2022 season, said a connection with Fever coach Christie Sides and general manager Lin Dunn helped her decide to come back.

"My first call with Coach and Lin, I felt the energy, the vibe, they support me with everything, so that made my choice, and I am so happy," Dantas said. "I have good teammates here, everybody is super helpful and helps me, it's like a family."

Over her nine seasons, Dantas has averaged 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 202 games (128 starts).

"I can bring everything," Dantas said. "More energy, I have experience: I've played in this league for nine years, so I hope I help my teammates."