Caitlin Clark Expected to Return to Indiana Fever After Five-Game Injury Absence

Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star and two-time WNBA All-Star starter, is nearing a return from a groin injury after missing nine games this season. Clark has been struggling with inconsistent three-point shooting, particularly on the road, where she has made just 1 of 28 attempts this year, despite a strong 44% shooting rate at home. The Fever have managed a 4-5 record without Clark this season and recently won the Commissioner’s Cup, but they lost a close 89-87 game to the Los Angeles Sparks on July 5 during Clark’s fifth consecutive game absence. In that game, Azura Stevens led the Sparks with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard led the Fever with 23 and 21 points, respectively. Fever coach Stephanie White indicated Clark will have a minutes restriction upon return to avoid setbacks, and Clark expressed eagerness to get back on the floor and compete with her teammates. The Fever will host the Golden State Valkyries next, with Clark expected to play, while the Sparks face the Minnesota Lynx, who recently won against the Valkyries to improve their record.