The Indiana Fever and their fans are eagerly awaiting the return of star guard Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined with a groin injury. Clark has already missed the last four games and is in doubt for the upcoming game against the Golden State Valkyries. The Fever are scheduled to face the Valkyries on Wednesday, July 9, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Coach Stephanie White addressed Clark's injury, stating it emerged recently, and she is being evaluated on a "day-to-day" basis. White has expressed optimism about Clark's recovery, saying, "C's shown that she's tough and she's a quick healer, so we'll see". The Fever are expected to provide another update on Clark's status soon.
Clark's absence is a significant blow to the Fever, as she is a key part of their gameplay. Before the injury, she was averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. In her absence, players like Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson are expected to step up.
This is the second injury Clark has faced this season. She previously missed three weeks with a left quad strain. She has missed seven of the Fever's sixteen regular-season games. The Fever are 5-4 when Clark plays and 3-4 without her.
According to Coach White, Clark has been participating in semi-live shooting drills and getting some 3-on-3 work on her own. However, she has not yet gone full speed in a practice with a live defensive group. White also mentioned that Clark is not a fan of minutes restrictions, so if one is needed, they may hold her out for another game.
The Fever recently won the WNBA Commissioner's Cup. However, the team is focused on Clark being fully healthy for the postseason. The game against the Golden State Valkyries tips off at 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 9, and will be broadcast on WTHR Channel 13.