The Indiana Fever failed their first test of the new WNBA season.
The Fever hosted the Dallas Wings in their season opener on Saturday, and it resulted in the first home loss for Indiana in 2026.
The Fever had no answer for Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, who combined for 42 points. Former Indiana guard Odyssey Sims shone in her Wings debut, contributing 20 points.
Kelsey Mitchell led the way for the Fever with a 30-point eruption. Caitlin Clark dropped 20 points, while Aliyah Boston chipped in with 23. It just wasn’t enough, and the Fever are now 0-1 to start 2026 after their disappointing 107-104 loss to Dallas.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White talks with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The good news for the Fever is that they are set to get some reinforcement. Head coach Stephanie White spoke to reporters on Monday during practice, providing an update on the injury status of offseason free agency recruit Monique Billings.
“Yeah, I mean, I think she’ll do more today,” White said. “So we’ll do more in practice today and we’ll again evaluate after every day.
“I know that it’s a boring answer, but it’s the thing that you do when you come back from injury. It’s like you go through a practice, you add a little bit more, you see how you are post-practice, you see how you are the next day, and then we evaluate. It really literally is one day at a time.”
Billings, who signed a two-year, $1.6 million deal with the Fever, started all three preseason games. However, the 6-foot-4 forward tweaked her ankle in their final preseason matchup.
Based on White’s latest update, there is still no firm timetable for Billings’ return. However, the silver lining is that the veteran has not been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Billings is currently day-to-day with her ankle issue. It’s possible that her debut is further delayed, but the Fever can look forward to getting some reinforcement sooner or later.
Billings spent last season with the Golden State Valkyries. She averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Billings could potentially secure a starting spot for Coach White once she’s healthy.
Related: Stephanie White Hints at Sophie Cunningham Change After Indiana Fever Loss
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
