Caitlin Clark’s Groin Injury Keeps Her Out Against Mercury

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark will miss her 19th straight game due to a right groin injury as the team gears up for a critical matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday. Clark’s absence is a significant blow for the Fever, who currently occupy the seventh spot in the WNBA standings and are only 1.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Sparks, who are positioned ninth. The playoff race is heating up, and the Fever will need all hands on deck to maintain their postseason hopes.

Clark sustained her injury during a victory over the Connecticut Sun back on July 15. Since then, her participation in games has been severely limited; she has only played in 13 contests this season due to various soft-tissue injuries. Further complicating her recovery, Clark also suffered a bone bruise on her left ankle during a practice session on August 7. However, as reported by CBS Sports, the ankle issue did not hinder her groin rehabilitation process.

The Fever’s coaching staff has not provided a specific timeline for Clark’s return, with the latest statement affirming there is “no timeline or projected return to play” for the star guard. Head coach Stephanie White expressed cautious optimism earlier this month, suggesting that the team hopes to see Clark back on the court before the regular season concludes. While she has not yet returned to full practice, sources indicated that Clark has been participating in non-contact drills during team shootarounds, signaling some progress in her recovery.

White has emphasized the importance of seeing Clark in live practice situations before reintegrating her into games. “I want to see her in practice, live in practice,” White explained. The coach is clearly looking for specific indicators that Clark is ready to contribute once again at the competitive level that she is known for.

As the Fever navigate the final stretch of the season, the absence of Clark—a player who has been a centerpiece for the franchise—places additional pressure on the rest of the roster. Players will need to step up to fill the void left by her scoring and playmaking abilities. The Fever’s upcoming games will be crucial as they aim to secure a playoff spot, and every game without Clark makes that task increasingly difficult.

As the team prepares for the showdown against DeWanna Bonner and the Mercury, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Fever cope in Clark’s absence. Her return, when it happens, could be pivotal for Indiana’s playoff aspirations, but until then, the Fever must find a way to rally and produce results without one of their star players.