Fever’s Playoff Hopes Hang in Balance: Natasha Howard Doubtful for Crucial Game 3..
In a twist that could derail the Indiana Fever’s improbable playoff resurgence, veteran forward Natasha Howard is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s winner-take-all Game 3 against the Atlanta Dream, sources confirmed Wednesday. Howard, 33, suffered a knee knock during Tuesday’s practice session at State Farm Arena, the site of the decisive first-round clash. The three-time WNBA champion twisted awkwardly while simulating a post-up drill, forcing her to the sidelines early. Team medical staff are evaluating the extent of the injury, but early indications point to swelling and tenderness that could sideline her for the do-or-die matchup.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Indiana, who clawed back from a 1-0 series deficit with a gritty 77-60 rout of Atlanta on Tuesday night – their first playoff victory since 2015. Howard was a quiet but steady force in Game 2, logging six points and four rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench before the injury scare. Her absence would thrust more responsibility on frontcourt anchors Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith, already taxed by Atlanta’s physical Brionna Jones and Naz Hillmon. “Tasha’s our rock in the paint – her veteran poise steadies us,” Fever coach Stephanie White said post-practice. “We’re preparing for every scenario, but we need her fire.”
Howard’s journey to this moment has been a redemption arc. Signed by Indiana in the 2025 offseason after stints with Dallas and New York, she averaged 14.2 points and 7.1 rebounds during the regular season, anchoring a Fever squad that surged to the No. 6 seed despite rookie sensation Caitlin Clark’s lingering groin issues. A former Finals MVP with the Seattle Storm in 2018, Howard’s physicality has been key in the postseason, where she’s battled Atlanta’s relentless defense. Yet, her history of knee woes – including a 2021 MCL sprain that cost her six weeks – raises red flags. “I’ve bounced back before,” Howard posted on X earlier this year, reflecting on past setbacks. “This league tests you, but I’m built for it.”
For Atlanta, the news is a potential boon. The No. 3-seeded Dream, riding home-court edge for Game 3, dominated Game 1, 82-71, behind Rhyne Howard’s 22 points. A Fever win would mark their deepest playoff run since 2012, setting up a semifinal tilt against either Las Vegas or Seattle. But without Natasha Howard’s rim protection and clutch scoring, Indiana’s magic could fizzle. Fans packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse Tuesday, chanting “Fever Fever!” as Kelsey Mitchell drained 19 points to seal the comeback. Now, all eyes turn to Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. tipoff on ESPN2 – will Howard suit up, or will the Dream dream of advancing?
As the WNBA’s expanded playoffs heat up, this injury underscores the fine line between triumph and heartbreak. Indiana’s young core has defied odds all season; now, they face their ultimate test
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