The Indiana Fever‘s 2025 campaign has been defined by resilience. Even without Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined with a groin injury for more than a month, the team has battled its way into the playoff picture and now sits on the edge of securing its first postseason berth since 2015.
Clark‘s absence has left a major void, but Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have stepped up to keep the team competitive.
Mitchell is averaging 20.7 points per game, while Boston is contributing 15.2 points a night. Together, they helped Indiana capture the Commissioner’s Cup during Clark‘s absence, a symbolic milestone that has fueled belief inside the locker room.
Fever remain in playoff hunt
Heading into a crucial matchup against the Seattle Storm, the Fever hold a 19-18 record, clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot. With just seven games left in the regular season, every contest carries heightened importance.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index suggests Indiana has an 88 percent chance to reach the postseason. Beyond that, the numbers show a 28.1 percent chance of advancing to the semifinals, a 10.7 percent chance of reaching the WNBA Finals, and a 2.3 percent shot at the championship. Those odds are slim compared to league leaders, but they highlight how the Fever have defied expectations without their top rookie.
The team’s path, however, is challenging. After facing Seattle, Indiana will go head-to-head with the Golden State Valkyries and the Los Angeles Sparks, two rivals in the thick of the playoff race. Wins in those matchups could decide whether the Fever hang on to their postseason spot.
The Caitlin Clark question
The biggest storyline surrounding the Fever remains whether Clark will return in time to make a difference. She has missed 15 games since her injury, and while head coach Stephanie White has emphasized patience in her recovery, the organization has not ruled out a late-season comeback.
A healthy Clark could be a game-changer for Indiana. Her impact earlier this season was undeniable, and her return would energize both the roster and the fanbase heading into what would be the franchise’s most meaningful games in years.
For now, Indiana is focused on staying afloat, leaning on Mitchell and Boston to carry the load. But as the playoff race intensifies, the possibility of Clark‘s return looms large – a potential spark that could transform the Fever from scrappy contenders into a team capable of pulling off a surprise run.
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