Caitlin Clark, a star player for the Indiana Fever, is set to miss her 19th consecutive game due to a right groin injury when the Fever face off against DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury. Currently, the Fever are in seventh place, holding a slim 1½ game lead over the ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks in a competitive playoff race. Clark suffered the injury during a match against the Connecticut Sun on July 15, but there is no definitive return schedule for her.

The Fever’s coach, Stephanie White, expressed hope for Clark’s return before the regular season ends. However, she has yet to engage in team practices and is only partaking in non-contact drills during shootarounds. “I want to see her in practice, live in practice,” stated White. “It’s essential that she builds endurance and becomes ready for full game conditions again.”

After a remarkable Rookie of the Year season, Clark has been sidelined due to various injuries, participating in only 13 games this year, impacting her performance and team dynamics significantly.

In addition to Clark’s absence, the Fever are also without players Sydney Colson (torn ACL), Aari McDonald (broken foot), and Sophie Cunningham (torn MCL) for the remainder of the season.