WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes expressed her concerns on Friday about the Indiana Fever’s hopes of making the playoffs, citing Caitlin Clark’s injury as a significant risk to the team’s fragile postseason pursuit. As the Fever look to secure back-to-back playoff appearances, Clark’s health remains a key factor in their success.

Speaking on The Women’s Hoops Show, Swoopes discussed the Fever’s situation amid Clark’s absence from the lineup.

Swoopes acknowledges Fever’s playoff potential despite Clark’s absence

While recognizing the challenges ahead, Sheryl Swoopes remains cautiously optimistic about Indiana’s ability to reach the postseason. The Fever face a demanding schedule, including multiple games against top-eight opponents, but Swoopes believes the team’s depth could carry them through even without their star player.

“Yes, they have enough to hold on and and make make it to the playoffs,” she said (45:27 onwards).

“I think they have the pieces even if Caitlin doesn’t come back,” Swoopes added (43:50 onwards). “It has been really impressive some of these wins that they have been able to get without her. And we look at, you know, how they finished off July. They were on a five-game winning streak, and they were able to down teams like the Mercury, the Aces, the Storm.”

The Fever also hold a spot in the sixth position in the standings but will need to maintain consistency through upcoming games against the Minnesota Lynx, Washington Mystics, Chicago Sky, and Los Angeles Sparks. These matchups offer a mix of tough tests and opportunities to secure crucial wins.

Swoopes highlights the risks tied to Clark’s groin injury

Sheryl Swoopes emphasized the seriousness of Clark’s groin injury, warning that a premature return could worsen her condition and harm the Fever’s playoff hopes. Despite rehab and rest, returning to peak form and basketball readiness is a complex process.

“Here is my concern: If and when she comes back, listen, a grown injury is a serious injury. You can sit out two months and do your rehab and all the things and feel good, and then, come game time, you can make the wrong cut, the wrong move, and there it goes again.” (46:03 onwards)

Clark’s ability to see the floor and deliver precise passes dramatically influences the Fever’s offense, and her signature three-point shooting is particularly vulnerable with the injury.

“Caitlyn’s strength of being able to see the floor and get the ball where it needs to be. And of course her logo threes with a groin injury, you lose some of that strength,” she explained. “Last thing is she has to get back in basketball shape, not just shape.”

Over the season, Clark has dealt with three separate injuries, with her current groin issue sidelining her since the All-Star break. While she is anticipated to return before the playoffs begin, the Fever must prepare to compete without her contribution in the meantime.

Upcoming challenges and playoff implications for Indiana Fever

The Fever’s path to the playoffs remains uncertain as they navigate a demanding final stretch of nine games, facing several top-ranked teams. Their ability to perform without Caitlin Clark will be critical in determining whether they can maintain their playoff positioning.

Being one of the few teams to have beaten the Minnesota Lynx adds some confidence, but the narrow margin for error demands strategic player management and health prioritization, especially regarding Clark’s recovery.

How the Fever manage Caitlin Clark’s return and overall team performance will likely define their postseason trajectory, potentially ending a promising run or solidifying their spot in the playoffs for a second consecutive year.