Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark will miss Sunday’s road game against the Golden State Valkyries as she continues to deal with a right groin injury. The setback comes with five regular-season games remaining and Clark sidelined for 18 straight contests. She last played on July 15 in the Fever’s win over the Connecticut Sun and has missed 26 of 39 games this season, the most of her career.
Indiana has been cautious with Clark’s return to ensure she’s ready for a deep playoff run, but the Fever’s postseason hopes took a hit after losing six of eight games. They’ve since responded with back-to-back wins over the Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks, two teams still in the mix for the final playoff spots.
“I feel like that’s been the story of our season,” Aliyah Boston said after the Sparks game, highlighting the resilience and depth the team has shown this year as it navigates injuries and a demanding schedule.
The Fever currently sit in sixth place in the standings. Clark’s status remains up in the air with no timetable for her return to the lineup.
In terms of production, Clark is averaging 16.5 points, five rebounds and a career-high 8.8 assists per game across 13 appearances this season. Her assist average is second in the league, behind Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury (9.2).
What this could mean moving forward
– Indiana will likely lean on its depth and the leadership of players like Boston as it manages Clark’s workload and looks to secure a playoff position.
– A healthy Clark would likely provide a significant boost in playmaking and scoring as the Fever navigate a challenging remaining schedule.
– The team’s ability to stay competitive without Clark could influence how aggressively they push her return date as the postseason approaches.
Summary
The Fever remain in the playoff hunt with five games left, but Clark’s continued absence creates uncertainty about how quickly she can rejoin the lineup. Indiana’s progress, driven by young stars and veteran leadership, keeps the door open for a late-season push, depending on Clark’s recovery and timing. If she returns soon, her all-around impact could be a decisive factor in Indiana’s bid for playoff success.