INDIANAPOLIS — Aliyah Boston has been ruled out for Friday’s Indiana Fever game vs. the Seattle Storm with a right lower-leg injury.
Makayla Timpson will make her first career start in place of Boston.
This marks the third missed game of the season for the 6-foot-5 Boston, who was listed as questionable on Thursday’s injury report, same as she was before missing the team’s July 8 game at Los Angeles. She returned for the second game of that back-to-back, and has participated in both outings since.
Fever coach Stephanie White said Boston’s absence is not related to “anything specifically” from Wednesday’s loss to Golden State.
“I think it’s just the compilation of games, so to speak, and information,” she continued. “And it’s back-to-back. Again (we are) sort of prioritizing based on the schedule.”
Boston, a four-time WNBA All-Star, netted 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals and an assist against Golden State, and is averaging 17.2 points and 8.7 rebounds through 22 games.
Asked if Boston would be playing if tonight were not the first game of a back-to-back, White replied: “I would hope, but I don’t know.”
“Again, it’s a collaboration with the medical staff, AB and us, understanding the big picture and making sure we’re being smart,” she said. “I know it’s a boring answer, but the reality is their long-term health and wellness is the priority and always will be.”
Boston first suffered the injury during Unrivaled in February and has been dealing with it through the WNBA season. She did not play in two of the three preseason games, then missed the first regular-season game of her professional career on May 17.
Caitlin Clark (back) will be active Friday after being listed as probable for the 16th time this season on the pregame injury report. She will be on a minutes limit, same as Wednesday vs. Golden State, according to White, who said the plan “as of right now” is for Clark to be available Saturday, but her status will depend on Friday’s game.
Timpson has played 15-plus minutes in four straight games and scored six points in back-to-back outings. White cited her length for this matchup vs. Seattle and overall consistency as the main reasons for her getting the start.
“She’s continued to get better,” White said. “Her impact has been felt in a lot of different areas. And the consistency piece has been there. She’s earned this opportunity.”
The Fever will complete their second back-to-back of the season — and second in just over a week — Saturday vs. the New York Liberty (8 p.m., CBS).
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Is Aliyah Boston playing in Friday’s Indiana Fever game vs. Seattle Storm?
Reporting by Brian Haenchen, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Haenchen, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
