'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Is Temi Fagbenle playing tonight? A look at Indiana Fever star's availability vs Lynx (September 6, 2024)
Temi Fagbenle is available to play for the Indiana Fever's game against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday. The Fever held her out in Wednesday’s thrilling 93-86 win over the LA Sparks due to a minor shoulder injury. Indiana’s backup center complained of shoulder discomfort in the Fever’s matchup against the Dallas Wings on Sep. 1.
Fever coach Christie Sides told reporters leading to the Sparks game that the team’s decision to make Fagbenle unavailable was precautionary. She was monitored by the training staff before updating her status for the Lynx showdown.
What happened to Temi Fagbenle?
Temi Fagbenle has played in just 16 of the Indiana Fever’s 34 games. A foot injury limited her appearances in June before a thumb injury forced her to miss multiple games in July and August. She told the media that she tried to play through the thumb injury before eventually deciding to undergo surgery.
Fagbenle’s last game before surgery was the Fever’s 88-69 loss to the Las Vegas Aces. She returned on Aug. 24 for her team’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. The 6-foot-4 center might have been done for the season had the month-long Olympic not given her some leeway.
Since returning against Minnesota, Temi Fagbenle played four straight games before sitting out the LA Sparks game.
When will Temi Fagbenle return?
If the shoulder injury is as minor as Fever coach Christie Sides explained, the veteran center should be back for Friday’s game against the Lynx.
Indiana’s training staff will likely not rush her as the team has already clinched a playoff spot. If she’s not ready to return, she could suit up for the Fever for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Dream.
The Indiana Fever could use Fagbenle against the Minnesota Lynx
The Indiana Fever are 7-1 since the WNBA resumed after the Olympic break. During that span, their only loss was to the Minnesota Lynx in Temi Fagbenle’s return from a thumb surgery. In the rematch on Friday, they could use her to give Aliyah Boston a breather.
In Fagbenle’s first game against the Lynx, she contributed four points and five rebounds in 16 minutes. What didn’t show in the box score was her energy and activity which led to two offensive rebounds.
Minnesota looks like a championship contender and Fagbenle, if available, could help the Fever get some payback.
Trending
