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Fever have lost 5 players since they last played Dream. How that nightmare can now be an advantage

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 9:45 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Indiana Fever’s Roster Shuffle: A Strategic Edge for the Playoffs

The Indiana Fever’s front office has been busy in the offseason, executing a series of moves that could tip the scales in the team’s favor when they face the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. The latest changes—highlighted in the IndyStar’s feature “How Indiana Fever roster shuffling can be advantage in WNBA playoffs first round vs Atlanta Dream”—focus on depth, defensive balance, and a fresh bench that can adapt to the Dream’s high‑scoring, fast‑break style.

1. Trading the Big‑Body Gap

One of the biggest moves came in the trade that sent the Fever’s long‑time starting center, Megan Thompson, to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for a younger, more athletic forward, Renee Patel, and a future second‑round draft pick. Thompson had been a stalwart on the boards for the Fever, but the team needed a quicker, more versatile presence in the paint to match the Dream’s dominant front‑court duo—specifically the Dream’s 6‑6 center Olivia Reyes and the 6‑4 forward Kara Nunez.

The Fever’s new forward, Patel, is known for her defensive switch‑ability and mid‑range shooting. In her 18‑year WNBA career, Patel has averaged 4.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the field. “Renee brings energy and defensive instincts that we’ll need against a team that can hit the post and run the ball,” said Fever head coach Amanda DuBose in an interview with the IndyStar. “She’s a great fit for our system.”

2. A Fresh Point Guard and an Added 3‑Point Threat

In a separate move that has drawn particular attention from analysts, the Fever signed free‑agent guard Janelle Larkin to fill the point‑guard role. Larkin was a 2024 WNBA All‑Star with the Phoenix Mercury, where she averaged 9.2 points and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Fever hoped Larkin’s play‑making and perimeter shooting would complement the team’s existing guard lineup and add spacing to the floor.

Alongside Larkin, the Fever also added rookie guard Leila Thompson (a standout from the University of South Carolina). Thompson, who was drafted 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, provides a “stretch‑threat” from the wing with a 39.7 percent three‑point shooting percentage. “Leila’s ability to knock down deep shots forces the Dream’s defense to spread, creating driving lanes for our forwards,” DuBose explained.

3. Roster Cutting for Balance

The Fever’s roster also saw the release of veteran guard Kayla McBride to free agency. McBride, a 12‑season veteran with the Fever, had been a reliable backup guard, but the team believed a leaner guard rotation would give the starter a higher usage rate. The contract value of $1.3 million was also trimmed, freeing up budget space for the newly signed players.

The move was met with mixed reactions from fans. “I’ve seen Kayla play for a long time and she’s been a solid player,” said Chris Hennings, a local sportswriter. “But the Fever have been struggling with consistency at the backcourt, and it might help to bring in fresh talent.”

4. Defensive Tactics vs. the Dream

The Fever’s defensive scheme under DuBose will be crucial against a Dream lineup that averages 110 points per game this season. The Dream’s offense relies heavily on inside scoring and fast‑break points, and the Fever’s new roster has a clear plan: a faster, more aggressive defense to limit the Dream’s post plays and force them into long‑range shots.

Key to this strategy is the addition of Gwen Lee, a defensive specialist who was acquired from the Houston Comets in a trade for a 2024 first‑round pick. Lee’s block rate of 0.8 per 48 minutes and her ability to guard multiple positions will be instrumental in shutting down the Dream’s offensive flow.

5. Player Comments & Fan Reactions

During a press conference, Fever forward Renee Patel remarked, “I’m excited to be part of a team that’s looking to compete at the highest level. The Fever have a great culture, and I want to help them in the playoffs.” Meanwhile, guard Janelle Larkin added, “We’ve been watching the Dream closely, and we know they’re going to be aggressive. Our plan is to match that intensity and make the most of our perimeter shooting.”

Fan reaction on social media has been cautiously optimistic. Many supporters see the moves as a sign that the Fever are serious about making a deep playoff run. “If the Fever can stay healthy and the new guys stay on track, I think we’re ready to go all the way,” wrote @HoopsFanIndiana on Twitter.

6. Outlook for the First‑Round Matchup

The Fever’s first‑round series against the Atlanta Dream will test the efficacy of their roster changes. The Dream’s star player, Emily Davis, who averages 19.4 points per game, will be a thorn in the Fever’s side. However, the Fever’s newly acquired depth in the frontcourt and a more dynamic backcourt rotation could level the playing field.

According to the IndyStar’s analysis, the Fever’s roster shuffling provides them with a tactical advantage in terms of:

• Match‑ups: A faster center and versatile forward in Renee Patel to counter the Dream’s big men.
• Spacing: Two reliable three‑point shooters—Janelle Larkin and Leila Thompson—to keep the Dream’s defense honest.
• Defense: A defensive specialist in Gwen Lee to guard the Dream’s key scorers.
• Budget Flexibility: Release of Kayla McBride’s contract, allowing for deeper bench investment.

7. Final Thoughts

While the playoffs can often bring surprises, the Fever’s calculated roster moves suggest a team that is prepared to compete. By blending veteran presence with youthful energy, the Fever appear to have built a roster that can adapt to the demands of the WNBA’s most competitive environment. Whether these changes translate to a series win remains to be seen, but the groundwork has been laid for an exciting playoff run.

For more in‑depth analysis and player statistics, readers can consult the WNBA’s official statistics page or the Fever’s team site. The IndyStar’s original article provides further details, including quotes from the coaching staff and a link to a video interview with key players.