Why is Erica Wheeler not playing tonight vs Seattle Storm ? Fever guard's status explored (May 30)

On Thursday, Erica Wheeler and the Indiana Fever take on the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. The matchup will be graced by another episode of the well-established Caitlin Clark vs Nika Muhl rivalry. Seattle is coming off a 77-68 win over the Chicago Sky, while Indiana lost 88-82 to the LA Sparks in its previous outing.

However, the Fever will be without key player Erica Wheeler. So, it will be up to Caitlin Clark to produce a bit more magic to give the struggling Christie Sides’ Indiana an advantage over the in-form green and yellow.

The Fever may have homecourt advantage in this matchup, but the Storm will be the favorites, going off their recent results. The visitors are unbeaten in four games, including a late 85-83 victory against Fever on May 23. Their last defeat came against last year's runner-up, the New York Liberty, on May 21.

Coming into the matchup off largely contrasting results, the stakes will be high despite the early days of the season as the two teams look climb up the conference standings.

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What happened to Erica Wheeler?

Erica Wheeler is out because of what the team has listed as “personal reasons.” The absence of Wheeler will be her first of the season. She has played all of the Fever's games in the season, but she missed practice on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old, who is the only undrafted WNBA player to win the All-Star game MVP award has played eight games this season. However, her numbers have dipped, primarily owing to the arrival of Caitlin Clark.

Last season, she averaged 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.1 steals, but she's only averaging 3.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.1 apg and 0.6 spg this year.

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Erica Wheeler stats last game

The Indiana Fever's winless streak continued on Monday despite putting in a spirited performance against the Connecticut Sun, despite leading in the fourth quarter. Erica Wheeler had a limited impact, scoring only two points with registering two assists and two blocks in 17 minutes on the court.

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Where to watch Seattle Storm vs Indiana Fever?

Seattle Storm vs Indiana will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday, May 30. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The game will be available to watch on Prime Video, NBC, WTHR-13, and FOX13. Coverage is due to get underway at 6 p.m. ET.

Viewers who do not have a subscription for any of the aforementioned channels will need to download the Fubo app, where you will have to register your details to watch the game for free. The WNBA League Pass is also available via a subscription plan.