Despite missing the playoffs with an MCL injury, Sophie Cunningham voiced her relief that the Indiana Fever face Atlanta, not the powerhouse Aces or Lynx, in their 2025 WNBA postseason run.

The Indiana Fever are charging into the 2025 WNBA Playoffs with momentum, fresh off a historic season where they notched a franchise-record 24 wins. Despite a brutal run of injuries, including to star Caitlin Clark, the team secured the sixth seed and a first-round matchup against the Atlanta Dream.

However, for Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, this pairing feels just right, even if she’s stuck cheering from the sidelines. Though Cunningham shared how stressful it is to watch from the sidelines, even if nobody’s asking, she has made her choices for the team’s desired playoff opponents.

Sophie Cunningham Has Desired Teams For Indiana Fever In Playoffs

While there’s hardly any team as happy as the Fever, they entered the season as a fan favorite to win the championship. Midway through the season, they were almost on the verge of missing a playoff berth, yet Indiana is now all amped up heading into the final eight.
Sophie CunninghamSophie Cunningham (Image Credits: Imagn)
Cunningham, sidelined by a season-ending MCL injury, didn’t hold back her excitement about the Fever’s playoff draw. On her podcast, she laid out why Atlanta is the ideal opponent and why she’s relieved to dodge two WNBA powerhouses.

“I think I’m really leaning towards Atlanta because you’re in the same time zone. The flight is like an hour and fifteen. Or if you get Vegas it’s a different time zone, longer flight. Minnesota it’s only an hour time change, but I just don’t want to play Minnesota,” she said.

Although her reasoning wasn’t just about convenience, Cunningham explicitly named two teams she wanted no part of. Easy to guess for many, it was the Las Vegas Aces and the Minnesota Lynx.

She’s not wrong, though. The Aces, riding a 15-game win streak and sitting at 29-14 as the second seed, are a nightmare matchup with their star-studded roster. The Lynx, meanwhile, boast the league’s best record at 33-10, making them a juggernaut Cunningham was happy to sidestep.

Sophie Cunningham Thinking Logically For Indiana Fever’s Playoff Success

While many would argue that Cunningham is dreaming of a safer side for her team, her comments reflect a player who’s thinking about team morale and logistics, even while rehabbing her injury. Before her ACL tear in August, she was a key contributor, averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

And logically, her absence, alongside Clark’s season-ending groin injury, has left the Fever leaner, but Cunningham is still keeping herself invested in their success. And right in the moment, even coach Stephanie White sent powerful message for the Fever.

So, the Fever’s 3-2 edge over the Dream this season, including a preseason win, gives them confidence heading into the playoffs. Facing the Dream won’t be a cakewalk. Atlanta’s healthier roster, led by veteran center Brittney Griner’s championship experience, gives them an edge, with DraftKings listing them as +1000 title contenders compared to the Fever’s longshot status.

REPORT: Shocking New Details Reveal Michael Jordan’s Hidden Power Move With NBC Sports

New details reveal Michael Jordan’s exact role with NBC Sports, offering fresh insight into his growing influence off the courtMichael Jordan (Photo by Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
NBC dropped a huge announcement when they roped in the services of Michael Jordan. With the league returning to the network next season, NBC is said to have some big plans with the Chicago Bulls legend. While it is clear that he will be a part of the overall coverage, the media outlet has remained tight-lipped about the same. Till now, it was only known that Jordan will be acting as a ‘special contributor’ for NBC. But now, there might be some shocking details emerging.

Speaking on the topic, Alex Sherman of ‘CNBC’ provided some insight into the matter. He pointed out that the preliminary plans for Jordan are to appear in taped segments. This way, Jordan will be providing analysis on the games. These tapes are expected to be aired either at halftime or at the end of each game.

Sherman also pointed out that NBC will also keep the opportunity for Jordan’s role to evolve in the future. Extending the topic further, ‘CNBC’ also reported that the deal with Jordan was orchestrated by none other than his longtime friend, Jon Miller. Meanwhile, after landing such a huge deal, it is quite expected that Michael Jordan will be elated.

Michael Jordan Gets Candid About His Feelings After The NBC Deals

Sep 1, 2024; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
After the announcements were made, Jordan looked quite happy to have landed himself a big role. Afterall, considering the legend he is, Jordan’s valuable insights will be a great addition to the league’s coverage. Shedding light on the matter, Jordan stated how he was utterly excited to be working with NBC.

“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a short clip. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”

Thus, with things looking quite upbeat for Jordan, it now remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.