Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark will be absent from Thursday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a groin injury, as confirmed by the team. Clark, who was named the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, previously faced a quad injury that sidelined her for five games, during which the Fever managed a 3-2 record without her.
While the Fever have not specified the duration of her absence, they are scheduled to face the Dallas Wings and top overall pick Paige Bueckers on Friday, June 27. Clark has recently struggled with her performance, recording a season-low of six points in a recent victory over the Seattle Storm. In that game, she failed to make any of her six attempts from beyond the arc, finishing with a shooting line of 3-for-13 and accumulating eight turnovers. Over her last three outings, she has struggled particularly with her three-point shooting, going just 1-for-23.
Despite these challenges, Clark’s season averages stand at 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, five rebounds, and 1.6 steals across nine games. The Fever sit in eighth position with a balanced record of 7-7, navigating the ups and downs of the season. Clark’s return will be crucial for the Fever as they look to secure a stronger position moving forward.
This news highlights the importance of player health in the competitive landscape of the WNBA, with the Fever’s ability to maintain their performance levels in Clark’s absence.