Caitlin Clark is expected to miss yet another game Friday night as the Indiana Fever begin a demanding stretch of five games in nine days with a home matchup against the Dallas Wings. Clark continues to deal with a right groin injury, marking her sixth consecutive absence and 15th missed game overall this season.
Despite Clark’s injury status, the Fever remain slight home favorites in the contest, favored by 4.5 points against Dallas, a team led by recent No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers. Oddsmakers are showing confidence in Indiana’s supporting players, particularly Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, to manage scoring and playmaking duties in Clark’s absence. Indiana holds a 7-7 record in the games Clark has missed so far this season.
Injury History and Impact on Clark’s Rookie Season
Clark’s current groin injury occurred near the end of Indiana’s July 15 win over Connecticut, when she sustained the injury while passing to teammate Kelsey Mitchell to help seal the victory. This marks the third injury Clark has faced this year, following earlier problems with her left quadriceps and left groin.
After a flawless attendance record through her college career and early professional games, Clark’s rookie season in 2025 has been stopped and started due to these injuries, forcing her to miss significant events including the Commissioner’s Cup final and the WNBA All-Star game. Nevertheless, the team has communicated that the most recent MRI showed no new damage, as Indiana focuses on restoring Clark’s health fully for a potential playoff push.
Currently, the Fever hold the sixth spot in the WNBA standings with a 15-12 record. Clark has averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and an impressive 8.8 assists per game across 13 appearances, ranking second in assists behind only Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury.
Betting Lines for Fever versus Wings Show Confidence in Indiana
The latest FanDuel Sportsbook odds list the Fever as 4.5-point favorites (-112) against the Wings (+4.5 at -108). The moneyline stands at Fever -194 and Wings +156, with a total points over/under set at 174.5.
Oddsmakers’ confidence in Indiana’s depth is clear, as the Fever manage a .500 record without their star Clark, relying heavily on bench contributions and key players like Boston and Mitchell to carry the team through this challenging period.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Clark’s Recovery for Playoff Aspirations
Caitlin Clark’s health remains crucial for Indiana’s playoff ambitions, and the Fever’s cautious approach to her injury reflects a long-term strategy focused on preserving her ability to lead the team down the stretch. With five games in nine days ahead, the team will likely continue to manage Clark’s minutes carefully to avoid further setbacks.
How soon Clark returns and at what level will significantly shape Indiana’s postseason outlook as they vie to climb higher in the competitive WNBA standings.