The Indiana Fever have endured a challenging 2025 WNBA season, with star guard Caitlin Clark sidelined for over a month, missing 15 games in a row, including the Commissioner’s Cup final. Out of the team’s 38 games, Clark has played in only 13, leaving the Fever with a 12-13 record in her absence. Before the season began, Clark was a top contender for MVP, trailing only A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier, while the Fever were pegged as championship hopefuls, just behind the New York Liberty.
However, three injuries to Clark and season-ending injuries to Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, and Sydney Colson have derailed those expectations. With a 19-18 record, the Fever cling to the seventh playoff spot, but their next three games-starting today against Seattle-will be pivotal in determining whether they can secure a postseason berth or miss out entirely.
Fever Bolster Roster Amid Clark’s Absence
Grappling with inconsistent play and back-to-back losses to Minnesota, the best team in the league, the Indiana Fever announced a key roster move this Tuesday, August 26, to address their depleted backcourt. According to the team’s official social media, veteran guard Shey Peddy signed a second seven-day hardship contract. She will provide depth alongside Odyssey Sims and help fill the void left by the season-ending injuries to Cunningham, McDonald, and Colson.
Encouragingly, there’s positive news about Caitlin Clark’s recovery: she has begun participating in shootarounds, signaling a potential return for the Fever’s final four games of the regular season. While her comeback this week seems unlikely, her return could provide a critical boost as Indiana fights to solidify their playoff position in a tightly contested race.
Crucial Stretch Looms for Fever’s Playoff Push
With three critical games ahead, the Indiana Fever (19-18), currently seventh in the WNBA standings, face a defining moment in their season. Today’s home matchup against the Seattle Storm (20-18), who hold a three-game winning streak and sit one spot above Indiana, is a must-win. The Fever then travel west to face the Los Angeles Sparks (17-18) on Friday and the Golden State Valkyries (19-18) on Sunday, teams in eighth and ninth place, respectively, and direct competitors for playoff spots.
Losing both road games could jeopardize Indiana’s postseason chances, while wins would provide a crucial cushion. Although Caitlin Clark’s return this week seems doubtful, her potential appearance in the final games could help her regain rhythm and propel the Fever toward a playoff run, keeping their championship hopes alive.
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