Caitlin Clark’s injury-laden campaign has completely derailed the Indiana Fever’s entire 2025 season. The star guard’s absence has forced major adjustments, but some believe the team’s best days still lie ahead.
Last month, Clark suffered an unexpected groin injury that left her sidelined for weeks. Combined with her previous quad injury during the 2025 season, Clark’s availability became a growing concern as the WNBA campaign carried on.
Some fans have spoken of losing hope for a successful season, already shifting their focus to the upcoming 2026 campaign. Others, however, continue to believe in Clark, head coach Stephanie White, and the rest of the Fever roster. WNBA legend Candace Parker seems to agree with the optimistic fans, eagerly looking forward to Clark’s return alongside teammate Kelsey Mitchell.
How Does Candace Parker View Caitlin Clark’s Future Backcourt Partnership With Kelsey Mitchell?
In her latest appearance on “Post Moves With Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston”, Parker discussed Mitchell, Clark, and their on-court chemistry that has Fever fans excited for what’s coming.
Before diving into Clark’s impact, Parker spoke about Mitchell in the MVP conversation, which has gained momentum throughout the season. Boston, another Fever teammate, agreed with Parker as both focused on the guard’s high scoring and increasing assists.
Parker, elaborating further, said:
“[Mitchell] has always been circled on the scouting report. Like she’s always been the topic of conversation at shootaround for the Indiana Fever. It’s just, in years past, you all were not on the map. You all were not winning. So I feel like she’s kind of like that quiet assassin that has continued to work on her craft and better it. But also, now, she’s stacking wins.”
Parker then turned her attention to Clark, looking forward to her eventual return to the WNBA court and what it means for the Fever’s championship aspirations.
“I’m telling you, when Caitlin gets back…it’s gonna be scary from a backcourt standpoint because the two of them with the ball in their hands…without the ball…and as a post player, your eyes have to light up. Because if there’s that much attention from the back court, if you set screens…you set early drags in transition…I mean, the sky is the limit of what you all are able to accomplish.”
Boston continued to agree from the sidelines, referring to her teammates as a ‘threat’ when they’re both healthy and on the court together.
How Has Stephanie White Adjusted the Fever Lineup During Clark’s Absence?
While Parker and Boston discuss what might happen when Clark returns, Coach White faces the immediate challenge of making the most of their current roster. With Clark injured, White had to solve their point guard problem quickly.
However, White had a simple fix: making Cunningham their starting point guard to fill the void left by Clark’s injury.
Cunningham performed as expected in her new role, posting 16 points, three rebounds, and two assists during the Fever’s dominant 92-70 victory against the Chicago Sky. The performance showed White’s adjustment was working.
The core of the team’s success, however, remains with Mitchell shouldering increased responsibility.
Stephanie White says she will start the same lineup as Saturday’s game, with Kelsey Mitchell starting at the 1.
Odyssey Sims, who joined the team on Sunday and is the Fever’s only healthy natural point guard, will come off the bench to “give us a lift.”
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 12, 2025
White will likely continue with the same lineup until Clark returns, with Mitchell shouldering the responsibility of bringing home wins. The strategy appears to be working as the team adapts to life without their star rookie.
The Fever will face the Washington Mystics in their next matchup, looking to build on their recent success.