INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever hoped Caitlin Clark’s return would stabilize a turbulent first half of the season. With the roster getting healthy and momentum building, Indiana seemed poised to meet its high expectations.
But that progress was halted when Clark suffered another injury in the final minute of last Tuesday’s game against Connecticut. The Fever then fell to defending champion New York the next night by double digits.
Clark sat out the All-Star festivities in Indianapolis over the weekend and is unlikely to play Tuesday in a rematch against the Liberty. Her status and Indiana’s title hopes now hang in the balance.
“These soft tissue injuries can linger unless they get proper rest, often in the offseason,” said head coach Stephanie White on Sunday. “We’re taking it day by day and growing as a team.”
Neither White nor Clark has offered a timeline for her return.
Before this setback, Clark had helped lift Indiana to three straight wins, tallying 40 points, 29 assists, and six steals in 79 minutes. Her star power along with other top players has driven record crowds and lucrative TV deals.
But injuries have plagued the WNBA this season. According to The Next, over 140 injuries have been recorded, fueling debates about whether the 44-game schedule should be adjusted. Clark noted Saturday that many players, like her, have been managing injuries or playing under minutes restrictions.
However, lengthening the season could mean competing with NFL and college football broadcasts an issue that may be addressed in the next collective bargaining agreement.
In the meantime, Indiana must weather Clark’s third absence of the year. She’s already missed 10 games after never missing any in college or her WNBA rookie season. Still, the Fever have stayed afloat with a 12–11 record and even won the Commissioner’s Cup against Minnesota without Clark.
They’ve also had to adapt to roster changes, including the exit of DeWanna Bonner, who was released after just nine games, and major offseason moves like hiring GM Amber Cox, reuniting with White, and adding championship-caliber players.
“It’s been a rollercoaster injuries, lineup changes,” said guard Kelsey Mitchell. “But that’s what it takes to become one of the teams in the championship conversation.”
Mitchell is averaging 19.1 points, and All-Star center Aliyah Boston has added 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and improved passing. They’ve also leaned on veterans like Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham to help bridge the gap.
“We need to lock in on defense stay intense and aggressive,” Cunningham said. “We can handle some minor dips, but we can’t afford big collapses.”
Still, the big question remains: Can Clark stay healthy enough to lead Indiana on a deep playoff run? “Coming back from injury is tough,” White admitted. “She just needs to give herself grace as she works through it.”
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