Indiana Fever wing Sophie Cunningham missed the team’s season-opening game on Saturday against the visiting Chicago Sky due to an ankle injury.

Cunningham sustained the injury in the preseason finale against the Atlanta Dream on May 10. She lobbied to play but was turned down by Fever coach Stephanie White.

“It’s not an advantage for us if she plays but then she blows up and has swelling or tweaks and then is out for another 2-to-3 weeks,” White said. “So we’ll rely on the medical staff to really evaluate where she is, and if it’s safe for her to go out there.”

Cunningham, 28, was acquired from the Phoenix Mercury in February. She played six seasons for the Mercury and twice averaged over 10 points per game. Last season, she averaged 8.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 40 games (21 starts).

Cunningham has averaged of 7.7 points and 2.4 rebounds in 182 career games (92 starts).

Moriah Jefferson (leg) sat out for Chicago. The 31-year-old has career averages of 8.5 points and 3.3 assists in 202 games (143 starts) over eight seasons with six teams. She is in her second season with the Sky.

–Field Level Media