Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark will miss her fifth consecutive game Thursday as the Fever prepare to face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Clark continues to recover from a right groin injury sustained in mid-July, leaving Indiana without one of its top offensive players during a crucial playoff push.
Details on Clark’s Injury Status and Recovery Process
The groin injury occurred in the final moments of Indiana’s July 15 loss to the Connecticut Sun. Clark missed All-Star weekend and has been sidelined since then, raising concerns about her availability during this important stretch of the WNBA season. Fever head coach Stephanie White noted that Clark sought a second medical opinion earlier this week, visiting a doctor on Tuesday before the team’s recent game against the New York Liberty. White stated there was no new update at that time but expected further clarity after additional consultations with the medical staff.
Impact of Clark’s Absence on Team Performance
Clark has been a pivotal figure for the Fever in her rookie season, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. Indiana’s record without her stands at 4-7 this year, including a loss in the Commissioner’s Cup final. The team currently holds a 12-12 record and is precariously positioned in the middle of the postseason race. The Fever’s upcoming schedule, featuring matchups against strong playoff teams such as the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, and Phoenix Mercury, adds further challenge to their bid for a higher seed.
Betting Odds and Expectations for the Fever vs. Aces Game
Bookmakers have made the Las Vegas Aces 2.5-point favorites in Thursday’s contest against the Fever. The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook set the run line at Aces -2.5 (-106) and Fever +2.5 (-114), with moneylines at Aces -144 and Fever +118. The over/under total points is listed at 163.5, with even odds on both sides. These figures reflect the expected advantage the Aces hold, amplified by Clark’s absence.
Looking Ahead: Significance of Clark’s Return and Team Outlook
Indiana’s ability to navigate the remainder of the season without Clark will be critical to their playoff hopes. Her offensive contributions are difficult to replace, and the team faces a difficult test against a Las Vegas squad that has been dominant this year. The Fever’s performance during this stretch could define their postseason trajectory, while fans await further updates on Clark’s condition and her potential return to the lineup.