The Fever are hopeful Cunningham’s ankle injury isn’t serious, especially with the regular season opener just days away. Her veteran presence and shooting ability are expected to be key pieces alongside rookie sensation Caitlin Clark this year.

While Saturday’s win offered promising glimpses of what Indiana’s young core can do, Cunningham’s health now becomes a major storyline heading into the opener.

The Fever will need all hands on deck as they face a tough Sky team featuring fellow rookie star Angel Reese. All eyes will be on Indiana’s injury report as May 17 approaches and a new season officially begins.

INDIANAPOLIS — Guard Sophie Cunningham was injured during the Indiana Fever’s preseason finale on Saturday.

The Fever beat the Atlanta Dream, 81-76, on the road, but Cunningham went down in the third quarter with a right ankle injury.

At the time of her injury, the Fever reported that she was doubtful to return to the contest. She finished the game with five points and two rebounds in 15 minutes of action.

None of the Fever’s starters played more than 23 minutes. Guards Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull tied for the team-high in minutes.

Hull contributed a team-high 14 points off the bench and Clark scored 13 points.

Te-Hina Paopao, Brionna Jones and Rhyne Howard were the Dream’s leading scorers with 14, 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Center Brittney Griner, who the Dream acquired in the offseason, played just two minutes and recorded three points and one rebound.

With their matchup against the Dream now in the books, the Fever will wait until May 17 to play again. On that date, Indiana will host the Chicago Sky in its regular season-opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.