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Is Sophie Cunningham playing Thursday? Latest injury update for Fever guard vs. Sky

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Is Sophie Cunningham playing Thursday? Latest injury update for Fever guard vs. Sky originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever received some unexpected news on Wednesday as they prepared for a key matchup against the Chicago Sky. Veteran guard Sophie Cunningham appeared on Indiana's injury report with a right elbow injury, leaving her status for Thursday night's game in question. The development caught many Fever fans off guard, especially considering Cunningham has played in all 11 games this season and had not recently been linked to any significant injury concerns.

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The timing is notable for an Indiana team that appears to be building momentum after Monday's dramatic 78-76 victory over the Washington Mystics. Caitlin Clark delivered the game-winning 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining, helping the Fever improve to 6-5 on the season. Now, with another highly anticipated matchup against Chicago looming, Cunningham's availability has become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team.

Will Sophie Cunningham play against the Chicago Sky?

As of Wednesday afternoon, Cunningham is officially listed as questionable with a right elbow injury. The Fever have not ruled her out for Thursday night's contest, but her appearance on the injury report indicates there is enough concern for the team to monitor her status closely heading into game day.

Indiana has not provided additional details regarding how or when the injury occurred. That uncertainty makes Cunningham one of the players to watch when final injury reports are released closer to tipoff.

The good news for the Fever is that star guard Caitlin Clark was listed as probable despite continuing to manage a back issue that has appeared on injury reports multiple times this season.

MORE: Caitlin Clark's four-word message to Kid Cudi quickly caught fans' attention

Why Cunningham's status matters

While Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell often generate the headlines, Cunningham has quietly become one of the Fever's most important players. The veteran guard is in her second season with Indiana after spending the first six years of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. Since arriving in Indianapolis, she has become a fan favorite thanks to her toughness, defensive intensity and ability to knock down big shots.

Through 11 games this season, Cunningham is averaging 8.7 points while playing 22.9 minutes per game. She has started three contests and appeared in every game. Her value extends beyond the stat sheet.

Cunningham often takes on difficult defensive assignments, provides energy off the bench and serves as one of the team's vocal leaders. She has also developed strong chemistry with Clark, making her an important piece of head coach Stephanie White's rotation.

Fever look to keep rolling

Thursday's game presents another opportunity for Indiana to gain ground in the standings. The Fever enter the matchup with a winning record and renewed confidence after Clark's heroics against Washington. Chicago, meanwhile, comes to Indianapolis with a 4-8 record and has dropped seven of its last eight games.

With Angel Reese and the Sky looking to play spoiler, Indiana would prefer to have its full rotation available. Whether Cunningham is able to suit up remains to be seen, but her status will be one of the biggest questions leading into Thursday night's showdown.

For now, Fever fans will have to wait for another update as Indiana evaluates the veteran guard's condition ahead of tipoff.

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