The Indiana Fever announced on Monday that star player Caitlin Clark will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a left quad strain. This injury is expected to keep her out of at least four upcoming games, with a re-evaluation planned at the end of this period.
Clark entered the season as the favorite to clinch the 2025 WNBA MVP title, initially boasting odds of -115. However, following the announcement of her injury, her odds have shifted to +250, moving her to the second-best position. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has now taken the top spot as the MVP favorite, with her odds improving from +160 to -175 after a strong start to the season. Collier is currently leading the league in scoring, averaging 29.5 points per game, and has played a pivotal role in guiding the Lynx to a 4-0 record.
In her four games this season, Clark has demonstrated impressive statistics by averaging 19 points, 9.3 assists, and 6 rebounds. These numbers reflect her stellar performance as the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year. The Fever have had a balanced start to the season with a record of 2-2.
Despite her injury setback, Clark has garnered significant support from bettors, accounting for over half of all wagers (51.9%) and total dollars wagered (62.9%) at BetMGM to win the MVP. This indicates her prominence in the league and the expectations placed upon her, although her absence may pose challenges for her chances going forward.
The situation highlights the competitive nature of this season, as players like Collier and Clark battle for top honors while dealing with injuries. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching as Clark aims for a swift recovery and return to the court, with hopes of contributing to her team’s success later in the season.