The Indiana Fever have provided an update on All-Star center Aliyah Boston as they prepare for their first-round WNBA playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces.
Boston played only 13 minutes during Indiana’s regular-season finale against the Minnesota Lynx on September 24 before leaving the game. Her early exit raised questions about whether she would be ready for the start of the postseason.
Social media speculation then fueled false reports about Boston’s condition. Some posts claimed that the Fever star had suffered an ACL tear and would miss the rest of the season.
However, those reports do not match the information provided by the Indiana Fever. Boston is dealing with an injury to her right lower leg, not a ligament tear.
Stephanie White Explains Boston’s Status
Fever head coach Stephanie White said the decision to deactivate Boston for the final regular-season game was precautionary.
White explained that Boston experienced a flare-up of an existing condition that she has managed during the season. The team therefore chose not to take unnecessary risks with its starting center before the playoffs.
Boston was listed as questionable on the official injury report. Her status remains day-to-day as Indiana prepares for Game 1 against Las Vegas.
Reports have also indicated that Boston remains optimistic about her chances of playing in the opening playoff game.
Boston Could Be Key Against A’ja Wilson
Boston’s availability could have a major impact on Indiana’s defensive plans against the Aces. Her rebounding, interior defense and ability to score around the basket are important parts of the Fever’s frontcourt.
She has also performed well in previous meetings with Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson. In 12 career matchups against Wilson, Boston has averaged 16.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Those numbers underline the challenge Indiana could face if Boston cannot play at full strength.
The Fever will need to manage her minutes carefully if she remains available but cannot handle her normal workload.
Fever Have Frontcourt Options
Indiana has several players who could take on additional responsibility if Boston misses time.
Monique Billings, Myisha Hines-Allen and Makayla Timpson could all see increased roles in the frontcourt. Their contributions would become especially important if Boston is limited or ruled out.
For now, the Fever have not indicated that Boston has suffered a season-ending injury. Her condition will continue to be monitored ahead of the playoff opener.
With a postseason series against Las Vegas approaching, Indiana will hope its All-Star center can return to the floor without aggravating the lower-leg issue.
