Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark will miss her fifth straight game on Wednesday as the team faces the Phoenix Mercury, led by DeWanna Bonner. Clark suffered a right groin injury during the Fever’s victory against the Connecticut Sun on July 15, and her return date remains uncertain as she continues her recovery.
Medical evaluations reveal no further damage
On July 24, the Fever updated the public about Clark’s condition. The team reported that she
underwent further medical evaluations earlier this week, which confirmed that no additional injuries or damage were discovered.
They also emphasized that Clark will
continue working with the medical team on her recovery and rehabilitation, with the priority on her long-term health and well-being.
Fever’s upcoming road trip presents uncertain timing for Clark’s return
Following Wednesday’s matchup, Indiana will begin August with a challenging four-game road trip facing the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, and returning against the Mercury. It remains unclear whether Clark will be medically cleared to play during this stretch of away games.
Injury struggles disrupt Clark’s sophomore season
Clark’s sophomore season has been significantly hampered by injuries after a standout Rookie of the Year campaign. She has appeared in only 13 games due to a series of setbacks, including a left quad strain that sidelined her for three weeks and a left groin injury that kept her out for two weeks prior to the current right groin issue. These injuries have cost her participation in major events such as the Commissioner’s Cup championship and the All-Star weekend hosted in her hometown of Indianapolis.
Adapting to extended time off for the first time
Spending extensive time sidelined is unfamiliar territory for Clark, who had not missed games due to injury since her high school days. Reflecting on the experience, Clark shared with Glamour during All-Star weekend,
This is the first time I haven’t felt like a young body that can run around and sprint every day and just continue to do that,
and added,
Being a professional athlete, you really have to take care of both your body and your mind — it’s been a journey learning about that.
Performance affected by injuries and shooting struggles
When Clark has been able to return to the court, she has found it difficult to match the high level that made her an All-WNBA First Team selection last season. Beyond an impressive triple-double during the Fever’s season opener and a strong 32-point, eight-rebound, nine-assist game after her first injury, much of the focus has been on her extended shooting slump. Over her last seven games, Clark is just 7 of 49 from three-point range and has failed to make a three-pointer in three separate contests.
For the entire season, Clark is shooting 36.7% from the field, including 27.9% from beyond the arc, with an even more pronounced struggle on the road, where she has made only 2 of 35 three-point attempts.
Despite shooting woes, Clark remains a key contributor
Clark continues to contribute significantly with averages of 16.5 points, five rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, ranking her second in the league in assists. The Fever have also been notably better with her on the court; the team holds an 8-5 record when Clark plays, compared to 6-7 without her.
Fever’s playoff hopes hinge on Clark’s health and return
As the Fever approach the critical stages of the season, they are currently in sixth place with a two-game cushion over the ninth-place Golden State Valkyries. The team faces the delicate challenge of balancing Clark’s recovery timeline with their goal to secure a postseason berth. Ensuring Clark returns as close to full health as possible will be pivotal for Indiana’s chances in the playoffs, while preserving that opportunity depends heavily on maintaining solid team performance in her absence.