With less than a month until the WNBA playoffs kick off on September 14, 2025, the WNBA’s longest regular season ever is winding down. The Minnesota Lynx (27-5) have secured their position as the playoff frontrunners, dominating the league from the beginning. Meanwhile, teams like the Connecticut Sun (6-26), the Chicago Sky (8-24), and the Dallas Wings (9-24) are almost all but out of the postseason race. Eight teams, including the Indiana Fever (18-15), are battling for the remaining seven playoff spots, setting up a thrilling end to the season.
Adding to the excitement, Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined for 20 games this season, including 11 straight due to a right groin injury, could return to the court before the end of August. Her return would provide a significant boost to a Fever squad that has already been affected by season-ending injuries to Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson last week.
Clark’s Potential Comeback Aligns with Favorable Schedule
The Fever’s coaching staff has been tight-lipped about when their star guard, No. 22, might return, but there’s growing optimism she’ll suit up sometime in August. Fans, eager for her comeback, got a glimpse of hope during ESPN’s broadcast of Indiana’s August 12 loss to the Dallas Wings-the first time Dallas beat the Fever this season after four matches.
Commentator Ryan Ruocco shared an intriguing update, noting, “Indiana faces Washington at home on Friday, then takes on the league’s worst team, Connecticut, on Sunday. After that, they get a week off before two games against Minnesota and a home matchup with Seattle.”
He added that head coach Stephanie White expects Clark to resume practice during that break, needing several sessions before returning to games. Ruocco suggested the August 26 home clash with Seattle or the earlier Minnesota games could mark Clark’s return. With the Fever’s schedule lightening up after this weekend, the timing could be perfect for Clark to ease back in and gear up for a playoff push.
Clark’s Return Could Ignite Playoff Fire
Stephanie White and the Fever must continue to rely on their current core players-Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard-who have maintained a 10-10 record without Clark. Rather than fixating on her return date, the focus should be on ensuring she meshes well with a squad that’s been logging heavy minutes due to injuries.
Tonight, the Fever face Washington and its dynamic rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Then, on Sunday, they meet the struggling Connecticut Sun (5-26). After that, a week-long break could give the team a much-needed breather and allow Clark to get up to speed.
With nine games left after this week, a healthy Clark returning for the final four or five games could spark a deep playoff run. If she regains her rhythm and the Fever maintain their form, they could mirror the 2015 season, when White led Indiana to the Finals in her first stint as coach, only to come up short. Could this be the year for a playoff breakthrough?
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