The Indiana Fever will face off against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday as they conclude a four-game road stretch. The Fever will be without their standout guard Caitlin Clark, who is sidelined due to a right groin injury. This marks the ninth consecutive regular-season game Clark has missed and the 18th game overall in the 2025 season, including the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final.
Clark’s injury issues began in preseason, where she missed initial games due to a left leg injury. Since then, she has struggled with various injuries, including a left quadriceps issue that kept her off the court for five games, and another left groin injury that led to significant missed time. In the 13 games she has played, she has posted averages of 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, although her shooting percentages have been below expectations.
Despite her absence, there are positive developments concerning Clark’s recovery. According to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, Clark has begun full-court running and is ramping up her conditioning over the past few days. Fever coach Stephanie White has emphasized a cautious approach, focusing on Clark’s long-term health and ensuring she returns fully fit before rejoining the team.
The Fever are aiming to bounce back after suffering a defeat against the Los Angeles Sparks, which ended their five-game winning streak. Indiana has faced the Sparks three times this season, with each matchup resulting in a loss for the Fever, largely due to Clark’s absence in those games.
The game against the Mercury will tip off at 9 p.m. CT and can be streamed on Amazon Prime. This matchup presents a key opportunity for the Fever to regain momentum in the competitive landscape of the WNBA while continuing to support Clark’s recovery process.