The Indiana Fever face a critical test Sunday afternoon when they take on the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena. Coming off a four-game winning streak, the Fever have found their rhythm at the perfect time, building momentum that has pushed them into fifth place in the standings. However, their toughest challenge won’t be the Storm’s home-court advantage or Seattle’s talented roster. It’ll be proving they can maintain this surge without their superstar leader on the court.
Will Caitlin Clark Play vs. Seattle Storm?
The answer remains a disappointing no for Fever fans. Caitlin Clark’s injury struggles have defined much of the 2024-25 campaign, turning what should have been a triumphant second season into a frustrating battle with her own body.
The 23-year-old superstar’s latest setback occurred during the dying seconds of Indiana’s matchup against the Connecticut Sun on July 15. After throwing a pass to Kelsey Mitchell, Clark was seen gripping her right groin in pain, forcing her to leave the game with less than 40 seconds remaining. She never returned to finish the contest.
This right groin injury adds to an already lengthy list of physical setbacks that have plagued Clark throughout the season. Earlier in the campaign, she missed five consecutive games with a left quad strain, breaking the hearts of Fever fans who had sky-high expectations after her record-breaking rookie year. Just weeks later, she sat out Indiana’s impressive WNBA Commissioner’s Cup victory due to a left groin injury.
The mounting injuries even forced Clark to make the difficult decision to skip the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, despite being named a captain. According to the Fever’s injury report, she remains out for Sunday’s game against Seattle.
READ MORE: Sophie Cunningham Reveals the Real Reason Fever Star Caitlin Clark Is Still Sidelined
How Have the Indiana Fever Fared Without Clark?
The Fever’s recent success without their franchise cornerstone tells a compelling story of team resilience. Their latest victory against the Dallas Wings showcased exactly how this group has adapted to life without Clark running the offense.
Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale entered that contest with championship-level expectations for Dallas, but Indiana’s supporting cast rose to the occasion. Aliyah Boston dominated in the paint with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, posting an impressive plus-20 rating that reflected her impact on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell stepped up as the primary offensive weapon, leading all scorers with 23 points. Her performance was so dominant that she was dubbed a nightmare by the Wings team, highlighting just how effectively she’s filled the scoring void left by Clark’s absence.
The emergence of Aari McDonald has provided another boost for Indiana. Since signing her permanent contract, McDonald has become a reliable contributor, including a 15-point performance in her start against Dallas on August 1. Coach Stephanie White appears ready to stick with that winning formula, likely deploying the same starting lineup featuring McDonald alongside Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham.
Overall, the Fever have proven surprisingly resilient during Clark’s extended absence. They’ve compiled an 8-7 record without their star point guard this season, keeping their playoff hopes very much alive. The obvious expectation remains reaching the postseason, and those hopes could receive a massive boost if Clark manages to return before September’s playoff push begins.
