Aliyah Boston injury update gives Fever fans another reason to worry before Mystics game
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Aliyah Boston injury update gives Fever fans another reason to worry before Mystics game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Fever are already searching for answers after letting a double-digit lead slip away against the New York Liberty. Now they're dealing with another concern involving one of their biggest stars.
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Aliyah Boston's status suddenly became a major storyline following Saturday's 83-75 loss to New York after the former No. 1 overall pick briefly exited the game with a lower right leg injury. While Boston eventually returned to the floor, she never looked quite like herself the rest of the way. That has made the Fever's latest injury report worth watching closely.
A scary moment for Indiana
The injury occurred during the third quarter against the Liberty when Boston was forced to leave the game and head to the locker room. Initial reports listed her as questionable to return, creating immediate concern for Indiana. Fortunately for the Fever, Boston was able to rejoin the game just minutes later.
The bigger question is whether she was truly healthy after returning. Boston struggled through the final stretch of the contest and endured one of her toughest offensive quarters of the season. She missed seven consecutive shots in the fourth quarter, including four attempts at the rim, as Indiana watched a promising opportunity against the defending champions slip away.
She still finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, but the performance looked far different from the efficient production Fever fans have come to expect.
MORE: Brittney Griner's latest injury setback leaves Sun facing major problem against Liberty
Fever issue questionable designation
Ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Washington Mystics, Indiana officially listed Boston as questionable because of the lower right leg injury. The designation leaves her availability very much in doubt.
Boston has been one of Indiana's most important players throughout the season, averaging 15.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Her ability to anchor the paint on both ends has been a major reason the Fever entered the season among the league's championship contenders.
The injury report also arrives as Indiana continues monitoring Caitlin Clark, making Monday's game one of the most closely watched injury situations of the young season.
Who steps up if Boston can't play?
If Boston is unable to suit up against Washington, the Fever will need to lean heavily on their frontcourt depth. Veteran Monique Billings would likely see an expanded role, while Makayla Timpson and Damiris Dantas could be asked to absorb additional minutes.
Still, replacing Boston's impact is easier said than done. Few players in the WNBA combine her rebounding, interior defense and offensive versatility, which is why her status has become such a significant storyline heading into Monday night's matchup.
For now, Fever fans will be waiting for the final injury report and hoping the injury scare against New York turns out to be nothing more than a short-term setback.
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