Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the Indiana Fever, will miss her fourth straight game as she continues to recover from a lingering groin injury. The Fever, fresh off their Commissioner’s Cup final victory, will be without Clark for Thursday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. Head coach Stephanie White emphasized the team’s focus on Clark’s long-term health, stating that her readiness for the upcoming All-Star game is a priority.
Clark’s absence is part of a longer trend this season, as she has missed several games due to various injuries, including a quad issue early in the year. Her performance this season has been notable, with averages of 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists. Despite her efforts to return, the team is taking a cautious approach to avoid any long-term complications.
White, in a recent media session, spoke about the importance of ensuring Clark’s full recovery. ‘I don’t have anything in my head other than what I’m told. My goal has always been the same, I don’t want this to be something that lingers – that we come back too soon,’ White stated. ‘We want to make sure that she is 100% ready to go and that we put her long-term health and wellness at the forefront.’
The timing of Clark’s absence also coincides with the upcoming All-Star game, which will be hosted by Indiana on July 19. The team is managing her workload strategically, allowing her to return just in time for the event. This approach reflects a broader trend in sports teams prioritizing player health over short-term competition, especially with key events like the All-Star game on the horizon.