Stephanie White could be forced to make major lineup change before facing Paige Bueckers in opener

Stephanie White could be forced to make major lineup change before facing Paige Bueckers in opener originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Indiana Fever finally made it to opening weekend, but one of the team’s expected starters may not be fully available when the regular season tips off Saturday against the Dallas Wings .

That suddenly puts extra attention on Indiana’s frontcourt rotation heading into one of the most anticipated WNBA openers of the year. The Fever are set to welcome Paige Bueckers to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for her WNBA debut, while Indiana begins a season carrying massive expectations around Caitlin Clark and an upgraded roster. But before the opener even arrives, health concerns are already creating uncertainty for coach Stephanie White.

Veteran forward Monique Billings is officially listed as questionable because of an ankle injury that has limited her throughout the week. Monique Billings injury clouds Fever opener Billings suffered the injury during Indiana’s preseason win over the Nigeria Women’s National Team last weekend. She logged only six minutes before exiting the game and did not return.

The injury does not appear long-term, but it has disrupted a key stretch of preparation right before the season opener. Billings did return to practice Friday, which at least gives Indiana optimism she could still suit up. Still, the questionable tag leaves the Fever preparing for multiple scenarios less than 24 hours before tipoff.