Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is working her way back from a left quadriceps strain and shared a promising update on her condition earlier this week.
Clark, who has been sidelined since a May 24 game against the New York Liberty, told reporters on Thursday that she’s feeling better but intends to take a cautious approach to her return.
“It’s just not worth rushing back,” Clark said, via The Indy Star.
“I’ve made a lot of progress and I feel good, but we’ll know more after this weekend.”
The Fever initially projected a two-week absence following the injury announcement, and Clark confirmed she will not be available for Saturday’s matchup against the Chicago Sky. However, she did not rule out returning for Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Dream, depending on how her re-evaluation goes.
Clark‘s injury follows a preseason leg issue, making this her second stint off the court in a relatively short span. Despite the setback, her performance before the injury underscored her value to the Fever.
In just four games this season, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, and an impressive 9.3 assists per game-picking up right where she left off last year, when she led the league in assists and earned All-Star recognition.
Fever adjust strategy during Clark’s absence
Since Clark‘s departure, Indiana has gone 1-2, bringing their overall record to 3-4-good enough for third place in the Eastern Conference behind the Liberty and Dream.
To help fill the void, the team brought in guard Aari McDonald on an emergency hardship contract. McDonald contributed immediately, notching 7 points and 5 assists in her debut to help secure a much-needed win over the Washington Mystics.
Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell has also risen to the challenge, dropping 24 points in the same game, while Lexie Hull provided critical support off the bench. These efforts reflect the team’s ability to stay competitive even without their biggest star on the court.
While the Fever‘s performance has been uneven, there are positive signs. The team’s recent victory helped ease pressure on head coach Stephanie White, who returned to the Fever this season and has faced scrutiny due to early struggles.
With momentum building, Indiana hopes Clark‘s return will provide the spark needed to solidify their position in a tight Eastern Conference race.
Looking ahead, Clark‘s next opportunity to play-if she is not cleared for Tuesday-would come on June 14 in a rematch against the New York Liberty.
Regardless of the exact timeline, both the Fever and their fanbase are eager for her return, knowing the significant impact she brings on both ends of the floor.
As she continues her recovery, Clark remains focused on long-term health. Her deliberate approach may delay her return by a game or two, but it’s a strategy that could pay off big as the season intensifies.
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