As the 2026 WNBA season tips off in just a few days, the absolute last thing that the league wants - let alone the Indiana Fever - is for Caitlin Clark to miss it. But there's some growing concern that an incident this week is risking that outcome.
During Thursday's game against the Dallas Wings, Clark drew a foul while attempting a three-pointer over Wings forward Alanna Smith. She came down hard on her right knee and was visibly distraught before limping over to the bench.
More importantly, Clark did not return to that exhibition game, which the Wings won 95-80.
Any good news?
Fortunately, the news to emerge from the Fever locker room over the past 48 hours has been entirely good. Per Chloe Peterson, Clark did not suffer any swelling or other issues despite hitting her kneecap. She didn't even need to put a wrap on her leg today.
"Caitlin Clark did not have any overnight swelling or any residual issues after hitting her kneecap on the floor on Thursday, she said pregame. No wrap on her leg or anything like that today, either," Peterson wrote on X.
Even better, she was back in the starting lineup for Saturday's final exhibition game against the Nigeria national women's basketball team.
But that didn't stop fans from expressing hope that she'll keep things light for the games that don't really matter:
"I hope she only plays like 10 min, then sits her ass down idc," one user wrote on X.
"She should wrap her knee," wrote another.
"I’d think it would be bruised… a little painful. Glad all is okay," a third wrote.
© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Given how many games Clark missed in 2025, any and every incident of Clark getting hurt is probably going to make people nervous.
Expectations for Clark are sky-high this year and now that she's healthy, everyone anticipates her firmly establishing herself as a dominant force in the league again.
