The Indiana Fever will be without star guard Caitlin Clark for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night. Clark continues to be sidelined due to a right groin injury sustained during the Fever’s 85-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun on July 15, with no clear timeline for her return yet.
Clark’s injury forced her to miss not only the All-Star Weekend but also the start of the Eastern Conference’s final stretch in the regular season. Her absence remains a key issue for the Fever as they aim to sustain their playoff push amid the ongoing injury challenges.
Fever Head Coach Provides Cautious Outlook on Clark’s Recovery
Stephanie White, head coach of the Fever, has shared a sober update regarding Clark’s condition. While Clark’s treatment is progressing positively, White emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for her return to the court.
“For us, it’s just staying the course and making sure we’re really diligent about each step we take and that we don’t have setbacks and that we’re patient,”
White said, highlighting the cautious approach the team is taking.
She also acknowledged Clark’s eagerness to return, stressing the importance of prioritizing the player’s full recovery over rushing her back prematurely.
“I know she wants to be out here on the floor, and we want her out on the floor, but making sure she’s ready is the most important thing,”
White added.
“I still don’t know how far we are. We’re going to take it one step at a time and one day at a time and go from there.”
Additional remarks from the Fever reinforced this patient approach.
“The most important thing for us is Caitlin’s long-term health, getting her back to 100% before we put her back on the floor.”
— Underdog WNBA
Fever Maintain Strong Performance Despite Clark’s Absence
Even without Clark, the Fever have managed to perform solidly, winning five straight games including a narrow 78-74 victory over the Seattle Storm. Their current 17-12 record puts them in fifth place in the WNBA standings, with an 8-6 record on the road and eight wins in their last ten outings.
Clark’s season has been hindered by multiple injuries, including left quadriceps and left groin problems, leading her to miss 16 of the Fever’s 29 games so far. With Tuesday’s game marking her 17th absence, the team has impressively gone 9-7 in her absence. However, Clark’s role remains pivotal for the team’s chances in the postseason.
Clark’s Season Stats and Postseason Prospects
Despite limited appearances, Clark has posted strong numbers. She is averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and a career-high of 8.8 assists per game in the 13 contests she has played this season. The Fever are counting on her to return fully fit and contribute at full strength as they prepare for the playoffs.
The team’s current form keeps them in a competitive position heading into the postseason, but success will likely depend on Clark’s ability to recover completely and resume her role as a key playmaker.
Upcoming Game Details for Fever versus Sparks
The matchup between Indiana Fever and Los Angeles Sparks will tip off at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, and fans can also follow the action through the WNBA app, available with a WNBA League Pass subscription.