Stephanie White could be forced to make major lineup change before facing Paige Bueckers in opener

Billings suffered the injury during Indiana’s preseason win over the Nigeria Women’s National Team last weekend. She logged only six minutes before exiting the game and did not return. The injury does not appear long-term, but it has disrupted a key stretch of preparation right before the season opener.

Billings did return to practice Friday, which at least gives Indiana optimism she could still suit up. Still, the questionable tag leaves the Fever preparing for multiple scenarios less than 24 hours before tipoff. That matters because Billings had quickly carved out an important role during preseason play.

The former UCLA standout started all three exhibition games and looked like a natural fit alongside Clark, Aliyah Boston and Indiana’s revamped supporting cast. Her versatility, rebounding and defensive mobility were expected to help stabilize the Fever’s frontcourt after an aggressive offseason overhaul.

Indiana also invested heavily in Billings during free agency, signing her to a reported two-year contract worth $1.6 million.

Stephanie White may need to adjust quickly

If Billings cannot go, Indiana suddenly has a major lineup decision to make. Myisha Hines-Allen appears to be the most straightforward replacement option. Her size and experience would allow Indiana to keep a more traditional lineup intact against Dallas.

But White also has another intriguing possibility. Indiana could choose to go smaller and faster by inserting Lexie Hull into the starting group. That alignment would likely increase the tempo even further around Clark while adding another perimeter defender and floor spacer.

Either way, the Fever still project to build around Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham and Boston as the core of the opening-night lineup.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham leaves door open for emotional Phoenix Mercury reunion after Indiana comments

Fever-Wings matchup already carried huge attention

Even before the injury report, this game already had major national attention because of the star power involved. Bueckers making her WNBA debut against Clark, immediately became one of opening weekend’s biggest storylines. Add in the Fever’s offseason makeover and the atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is expected to feel more like a playoff game than a typical season opener.

That is part of why Billings’ status matters beyond just one roster spot. Indiana spent the offseason trying to build a deeper, more physical roster capable of handling the expectations surrounding this team. Losing a projected starter right before opening night would force the Fever to test that depth immediately.

More WNBA news:

• Sophie Cunningham leaves door open for emotional Phoenix Mercury reunion after Indiana comments
• Caitlin Clark’s former Iowa teammate Kate Martin suddenly becomes WNBA free agent
• Sophie Cunningham announces new partnership before Indiana Fever season opener
• Caitlin Clark no longer tops WNBA GMs’ franchise player rankings
• Aliyah Boston quietly showed what makes the Fever work in one small moment