Caitlin Clark’s third WNBA season has been interrupted by another injury setback, but the Indiana Fever have remained committed to taking the long view with their franchise star. Clark aggravated a back injury during Indiana’s heated June 24 matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, forcing her to miss two games before making a cautious return against the Los Angeles Sparks.
After also sitting out the second game of a back-to-back in Phoenix, the Fever have continued to carefully manage her workload in hopes of avoiding another prolonged absence.
Clark played just 16 minutes under a strict minutes restriction in the 106-92 loss to the Sparks. She finished with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal, though she also committed four turnovers as she admitted afterward it was difficult to find a rhythm while being limited to short stints on the floor.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The Fever bounced back without her on Thursday, defeating the Mercury to improve to 13-9, sitting seventh in the WNBA standings.
Ahead of Sunday’s road finale against the Las Vegas Aces, head coach Stephanie White provided another encouraging update on Clark’s recovery. White confirmed that Clark will be available against Las Vegas, although she will again be on a 20-to-25-minute restriction as Indiana continues to ease her back into action (h/t Chloe Peterson of IndyStar Sports).
Clark has already played more games this season (18) than she did during her injury-plagued 2025 campaign, when she was limited to just 13 appearances, but the franchise has remained cautious every step of the way. The three-time All-Star is averaging 20.5 points, 7.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Indiana will now look to close its four-game road trip on a high note during “Sunday Night Basketball.” Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.
