Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been sidelined once again-this time due to a left groin injury. The team announced she will miss Thursday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks, with her return timeline still unclear.
It’s another setback for the standout rookie, who had only recently returned from a quad injury that kept her off the court for five games earlier this month.
According to Fever head coach Stephanie White, Clark began feeling discomfort Wednesday night and immediately reported the issue to the team’s training staff. She underwent an MRI shortly afterward, though the results have not been made public.
White described the injury as “day-to-day” and noted that the team would monitor her response to treatment closely.
“C has shown she’s tough and a quick healer,” White said. “We’ll see how she feels day by day.”
Clark had struggled in recent games, particularly with her perimeter shooting. Despite her overall strong rookie stats-averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals-she was in a shooting slump, particularly on the road. In Tuesday’s win against Seattle, she went just 3-for-13 from the field, compounding recent frustrations from beyond the arc.
Fever shuffle roster as injuries and fit issues mount
With Clark sidelined, the Fever acted quickly to adjust their roster. They signed point guard Aari McDonald, who previously played for the team on a hardship contract earlier this season. In a corresponding move, Indiana waived veteran guard DeWanna Bonner.
Fever GM Amber Cox addressed Bonner’s departure, explaining that despite high hopes when she signed in the offseason, the fit just wasn’t right.
“She expressed that it didn’t feel like a good fit for her,” Cox said. “We tried different lineups and had conversations, but ultimately we agreed it was best to part ways.”
McDonald will now help fill the void in the backcourt, especially as Indiana faces a tough upcoming schedule.
The Fever, currently 7-7, will take on the 4-11 Sparks at home on Thursday before hitting the road to face the Dallas Wings on Friday. With games packed tightly and Clark unavailable, Indiana will rely on other stars like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to lead the way.
Clark’s injury presents another test in what’s already been a physically demanding rookie season. Though the team remains optimistic, all eyes are now on her recovery and how the Fever manage without their franchise centerpiece on the floor.
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