The Indiana Fever are in a precarious position as they continue their 2025 WNBA season without their star guard, Caitlin Clark. Clark has been sidelined for the last 12 games due to a right groin injury sustained in July. The Fever have struggled to maintain consistency in her absence, recently dropping four of their last five games.

Clark's injury occurred in the final seconds of Indiana's July 15th victory over the Connecticut Sun. While early projections suggested a possible return by August 12th, that date has passed. The team's medical staff is carefully monitoring her progress, prioritizing her long-term health. Coach Stephanie White indicated that Clark has been increasing her on-court work, but needs multiple days of full team practice before returning to game action.

Despite the lack of an official return date from the Fever, ESPN has updated its estimated return date for Clark to August 26th, when the Fever are scheduled to play at home against the Seattle Storm.

Before her injury, Clark appeared in 13 games, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists (second-best in the WNBA), 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals. However, she was shooting 36.7% from the field and 27.9% from three-point range, numbers below the high expectations set for her second year.

Even with Clark sidelined, her impact on the team and the league remains significant. Arenas are still selling out, and fans are lining up for autographs, demonstrating the "Caitlin Clark effect". Sophie Cunningham noted Clark's exceptional work ethic, emphasizing that she is still putting in the work to get back on the court.

As of August 16, 2025, the Indiana Fever have a record of 18-16, placing them third in the Eastern Conference and seventh in the league. They are currently holding onto a playoff spot, which would see them face the Atlanta Dream in the first round if the season ended today. The Fever's offense has been less consistent without Clark, making her return crucial if they hope to make a deep playoff run.

In other news for the Fever this season, they went 4-1 in the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup game play. They won the Commissioner's Cup final against the Minnesota Lynx 74-59, even with Clark out due to her groin injury.

With the playoffs within reach, the Indiana Fever are eagerly awaiting Caitlin Clark's return, hoping she can help propel them to a successful postseason.