Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s 2025 WNBA season continues to be marred by injury setbacks, as she was ruled out once again for the Fever’s home game against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, July 24, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The two-time WNBA All-Star and former Iowa standout has been sidelined with a nagging right groin injury sustained during Indiana’s 85-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun on July 15, forcing her to miss her third straight game and a total of 12 games this season.
Clark’s absence is a significant blow to the Fever, who currently hold a 12-12 record and are battling to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Fever hosted the Aces, who entered the game with a 12-11 record and are led by reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson. Tipoff was scheduled for 7 p.m. local time, with the game broadcast on local channels WOI Local 5 in Iowa, WTHR in Indiana, and Channel 34 in Las Vegas, as well as streamed on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers.
The injury has been a recurring theme for Clark this season, marking her fourth muscle injury in what was expected to be a breakout sophomore campaign. Earlier in the year, she missed five games due to a left quad strain in May and June, followed by a two-week absence in late June and early July with a left groin injury. The latest right groin issue emerged late in the July 15 game against Connecticut, when Clark felt discomfort with about 30 seconds remaining after delivering a bounce-pass assist to teammate Kelsey Mitchell.
Despite the injury, Clark finished that game with a strong all-around performance, tallying 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Her 2025 regular season averages over 13 games stand at 16.5 points, five rebounds, and an impressive 8.8 assists per game, slightly down from her 2024 rookie season stats of 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. These numbers underscore her vital role as the Fever’s primary playmaker and offensive catalyst.
Clark’s injury woes have not only impacted the Fever on the court but have also become a lighthearted topic within the team’s locker room. Teammate Aliyah Boston, a fellow former No. 1 overall pick and back-to-back Rookie of the Year winner, recently shared a playful anecdote about Clark’s unfulfilled promise to bake cookies for the team. During a teaser for Boston’s new podcast “Post Moves,” co-hosted with WNBA legend Candace Parker, Boston joked, “You guys should actually find her and tell her why she hasn’t baked us any cookies yet, okay?” The banter brought smiles and a sense of camaraderie amid a challenging stretch for the Fever.
Boston admitted, “No, she just says she’s gonna. That’s just the word on the street.” This lighthearted exchange highlights the close-knit atmosphere the Fever are cultivating despite the adversity of losing their star player for extended periods.
While Clark focuses on her rehabilitation, her teammates have stepped up to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining the team’s competitiveness. Center Aliyah Boston emphasized resilience, telling News 8’s Angela Moryan, “Everyone’s not always going to be healthy at the same time, and that’s kind of how it’s been for us this season. So for us, it’s about not getting down and not letting it hold us down, but make sure that the next person up and the next person to step on that floor is ready to go.”
Guard Kelsey Mitchell echoed this sentiment, adding, “Unfortunately, (Clark) will not be around, but you have to want to win regardless. You look at these situations like it’s unfortunate, but we have to keep playing for her and make sure that she knows we miss her, but we have to do right by ourselves.” Mitchell has been a key contributor in Clark’s absence, notably scoring 29 points in the Fever’s recent loss to the New York Liberty.
The Fever’s upcoming schedule remains demanding, with games slated against the Chicago Sky on July 27, Phoenix Mercury on July 30, Dallas Wings on August 1, and Seattle Storm on August 3. Each contest represents a critical opportunity for the Fever to solidify their playoff positioning as they await Clark’s return.
Clark’s injury has also affected her standing in WNBA futures betting markets. According to DraftKings odds as of July 23, her chances of winning the league MVP award have dramatically decreased to +10000, while the Fever’s odds to claim the WNBA championship stand at +850. These figures reflect the uncertainty surrounding her availability and the team’s ability to sustain a championship run without their star guard.
Despite the setbacks, Clark remains a central figure in the Fever’s plans, both on and off the court. Her teammates’ playful insistence on the promised cookies serves as a reminder that beyond statistics and injuries, the bonds formed within the team are vital to their collective spirit and success. Whether Clark’s next contribution comes in the form of a clutch assist or a batch of homemade cookies, the Fever are eager for her full return.
As the Fever continue to navigate a season filled with challenges, the resilience and unity displayed by the team provide a hopeful backdrop. Clark’s journey through injury and recovery is a story still unfolding, one that fans and teammates alike are watching closely with anticipation and support.
