Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark did not finish their pre-season game with the Dallas Wings following a bad fall in the third quarter. The game was supposed to be a showdown between her and last year's Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
Clark limped to the bench and did not return. She finished with 21 points, and her team lost, 80–95.
The injury has fans worried, as she is coming off a lengthy injury layoff that caused her to miss the latter part of the 2025 WNBA season. Her team reached the semifinals but lost to the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces, in five games.
She played in the preseason tournament for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers last March, and it looked like she had not missed a beat, helping Team USA sweep the tournament. Fever fans were feeling optimistic—until the injury scare.
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The Fever still have one preseason game left, against the Nigeria national team. Clark could still join them, but it appears precaution may be necessary given the situation. The two-time All-Star attended the scrimmage wearing a leg sleeve.
Clark went through her usual routine, but the leg sleeve drew attention.
IndyStar Sports reporter Chloe Peterson caught up with Fever coach Stephanie White who said that Clark's new look is all about styling.
Clark is not on the Fever's injury list ahead of their last pre-season game. The 2024 Rookie of the Year shared through Peterson that her recovery process is going smooth.
"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.
The Fever will play their opening game on Saturday, against Wings which picked a reinforcement in the 2026 WNBA Draft by picking Azzi Fudd as their first overall pick.
