The Indiana Fever's playoff aspirations are facing significant headwinds, and the absence of star guard Caitlin Clark due to injury is just one piece of the puzzle. An analyst suggests that deeper warning signs are emerging that extend beyond Clark's groin injury. The team's overall health, backcourt depth, and trade deadline inactivity are raising concerns about their ability to make a deep playoff run.
Clark has been sidelined with a right groin injury sustained in a July 15 game against the Connecticut Sun and has already missed 11 straight games. This injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for the former Rookie of the Year, who also missed time earlier in the season with a left quad strain and a left groin injury. In total, Clark has been absent for 19 of the Fever's 32 regular-season games. While she is reportedly making progress in her recovery, she has yet to return to practice, and there is no firm timetable for her return. Coach Stephanie White stated that Clark is increasing her full-court running but is not yet ready for full practice.
The Fever's backcourt woes don't end with Clark's injury. Sydney Colson suffered a torn ACL, and Aari McDonald broke a bone in her foot, both in a game against the Phoenix Mercury. These injuries are season-ending, leaving the Fever without any true point guards. To address the sudden lack of available players, the Fever signed veteran guard Odyssey Sims to a hardship contract. Despite these setbacks, the Fever managed to defeat the Chicago Sky 92-70 with only nine active players. Kelsey Mitchell has stepped up, averaging 20.8 points and 5.2 assists in her last five games, while Sophie Cunningham has also increased her offensive output.
The WNBA trade deadline passed on August 7, and the Indiana Fever remained surprisingly inactive. With $95,000 in salary cap space available, many analysts and insiders were baffled by the Fever's decision not to make any moves to bolster their roster, especially given the injuries to key players. The team's lack of action at the trade deadline is now viewed as a critical error, leaving them with a depleted roster and limited options.
Despite these challenges, the Indiana Fever are still in a relatively good position to make the playoffs. ESPN's WNBA Basketball Power Index gives them a 98.0% chance of clinching a playoff spot. As of August 11, 2025, the Fever are fifth in the WNBA standings with an 18-14 record. However, their recent struggles could cause them to fall further in the standings. The Fever's schedule includes a series of games against teams with weaker records, which could help them solidify their playoff position. However, they also face tough matchups against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx.
Caitlin Clark's presence has a significant impact on the Fever's performance. When Clark is in the lineup, players like Lexie Hull benefit from increased scoring opportunities. Hull's field goal percentage drops from 48.2% with Clark to 31.8% without her, and her three-point percentage also plummets.
The Indiana Fever's playoff hopes hinge on their ability to overcome these challenges. Coach Stephanie White is implementing a "by-committee" approach to compensate for the lack of a true point guard. The team will need players to step up and take on expanded roles. The potential return of Caitlin Clark in late August could provide a much-needed boost as they approach the playoffs. However, the Fever's success will depend on their ability to stay healthy, find creative solutions, and maintain a strong team mentality.
