Former UConn women’s basketball star Azzi Fudd will remain sidelined as she recovers from a knee injury, this time missing one of the league’s biggest showcases of young talent Friday.
The Dallas Wings will face off against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever Friday evening, but Fudd was listed as “out” on Thursday’s pregame availability report Thursday. Fudd will now miss four consecutive games due to her right knee injury, a stretch that began last Friday against Golden State.
The No. 1 overall draft pick began her warm-up routine against the Valkyries last week, but Fudd experienced right knee soreness and was removed from the lineup by the Wings coaching staff “out of an abundance of caution.” Fudd returned to practice Tuesday and competed in the Wings’ 5-on-5 scrimmage, but she was ultimately held out of Wednesday’s game versus Toronto.
“I think right now we’re in a return-to-play protocol,” Wings coach Jose Fernandez told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s game against Toronto. “Incredible collaboration with our medical staff, front office, our data scientists, our strength and conditioning, our sports medicine. The most important thing is her health and return to play and her longevity.”
Fudd has suffered several debilitating injuries to her right knee, dating back to her standout high school career. The young shooting guard has torn her right ACL on two separate occasions and also picked up injuries to her MCL and meniscus.
Dallas has struggled mightily without Fudd in the lineup this season, finally picking up its first win of the season without her Wednesday with a six-point home victory over a 10-23 Toronto squad. Previously, the Wings had posted a 0-3 record without Fudd in the lineup, shooting just 23% from 3-point range.
Fudd is among several key Wings players sidelined with injuries nearing the final month of WNBA regular-season play. Jessica Shepard, who has averaged over 14 points, 11 rebounds and five assists this season, along with reserve guard Aziaha James, have also been ruled out of Friday’s game.
The Wings and Fever will tip off at 7:30 p.m. from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the action will be broadcast nationally on ION.
