Star guard Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever may be sidelined once again due to a groin injury sustained during a game against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night. This injury raises concerns as the team prepares for a busy week leading up to the All-Star Game.
Clark’s injury occurred late in the Fever’s 85-77 victory over the Sun in Boston. With less than a minute remaining, she appeared to strain her groin while assisting on the team’s final basket. Following the play, Clark walked down the court visibly in pain, prompting her teammate Aliyah Boston to console her. Clark then collided with the basket stanchion before heading to the bench, where she covered her head with a towel and was seen holding back tears.
Assessment and Upcoming Challenges
Following the game, Fever head coach Stephanie White provided a brief update on Clark’s condition. “No update. Just felt a little something in her groin,” she stated. “We’ll get it evaluated and see what happens from there.” The team is set to travel to New York for a game on Wednesday night, and Indiana will host the All-Star Game this weekend, where Clark is expected to compete in a highly competitive 3-point contest and serve as captain of one of the All-Star teams.
Clark has shown remarkable resilience throughout her career, having never missed a game during her college years and her initial WNBA season. However, this year has seen her contend with multiple muscle injuries. She missed the preseason opener due to quad tightness but returned to the court the following day in an exhibition game at her alma mater, Iowa. A quad strain against New York on May 24, 2023, sidelined her for five games, and another injury to her left groin forced her out for four contests, including the Commissioner’s Cup final.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
The Fever canceled their shootaround in New York on Wednesday morning, a common practice when teams face back-to-back games. “I think we just take it one step at a time. We’ll get some food, get on the plane and start talking about New York,” White noted. “She’s being evaluated; we’ll see where we are with that. This group has played without her, and we have experience in that.”
The upcoming match against New York poses a significant challenge, particularly without their star player. The Fever’s ability to adapt will be crucial as they navigate the next few days leading to the All-Star festivities. With Clark’s health still uncertain, the team remains focused on the immediate task at hand.
The situation remains fluid, and updates regarding Clark’s condition are expected after further evaluations. The Fever will need to rally together, drawing from their recent successes, to face their formidable opponents in New York.
“This group has played without her, and we have experience in that,” White emphasized, reflecting the team’s determination.
