Indiana Fever fans are holding their collective breath as the WNBA season opener looms, with a cloud of uncertainty now hanging over the availability of their backcourt duo, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.
Head coach Stephanie White delivered a somewhat worrisome update on Wednesday, May 7, regarding a potential injury plaguing Clark, while Mitchell shared her own injury update.
Indiana Fever’s Injury Updates on Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell
In an article by Chloe Peterson of the Indy Star, White revealed that Clark has been experiencing limitations in practice.
“She’s been limited in practice, so we’re still very cautious about working her way back and really letting her body kind of tell her how much she’s able to do,” White stated. “We’re really relying on the training staff, and she’s making great progress. And that’s what we need, just to make sure that we´re super cautious.”
In another article by Peterson, Mitchell explained that she will play through a fractured middle finger on her shooting hand that she injured while playing in China.
“I didn’t do any rehab. No one helped me out in China, no one fixed it…It’s probably healing on its own now,” Mitchell said.
This cautious approach comes after Clark showcased glimpses of her electrifying talent in the Fever’s preseason matchups. Notably, in their recent game against the Brazilian national team, Clark demonstrated her versatility, contributing across the board. While her scoring numbers were not astronomical, Clark’s court vision and passing were evident, setting up teammates for easy buckets and controlling the tempo of the game.
Looking back at her impactful first WNBA season with the Fever in 2024, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. She also showcased her shooting prowess, connecting on 34.4% of her 3-point attempts.
Clark broke the all-time single-season assist record, was named an All-Star, and was fourth in MVP voting. She has the makings to be an all-time legend in the sport, so monitoring her health now is of the utmost importance.
Mitchell, who signed a $249,000 contract to stay with the Fever this past offseason, is coming off a year where she averaged 19.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 40.2% from deep. She was also named an All-Star and was 10th in MVP voting.
The Fever organization will undoubtedly prioritize Clark’s and Mitchell’s long-term health, especially considering their pivotal roles in their rebuilding efforts. They signed DeWanna Bonner from the Connecticut Sun and Sophie Cunningham from the Phoenix Mercury, both of whom provide much veteran experience for a young Fever team.
Indiana can rely on the work of Bonner, Cunningham, and third-year All-Star Aliyah Boston while Clark and Mitchell ease their way back into game shape.
White’s emphasis on a cautious return and reliance on the training staff suggests a measured approach. However, fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates, hoping that Clark and Mitchell will be at full strength when the regular season tips off.
The balance between ensuring Clark and Mitchell’s well-being and unleashing their transformative talent will be a delicate one for the Fever to navigate in the early stages of the season. Indiana will begin its season on May 17, when the team hosts Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.