Fever Coach Hopes Caitlin Clark Returns This Season

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White remains hopeful that star guard Caitlin Clark can return from her right groin injury before the regular season ends, though the possibility diminishes as Clark has not yet participated in contact practices and has missed 18 consecutive games. Clark last played on July 15 and has missed 27 of the Fever's 40 games this season due to multiple injuries, including quad and groin issues. The Fever, currently seventh in the WNBA standings with a 21-19 record, are fighting for a playoff spot with only three games left in the regular season. Clark has recently been seen participating in non-contact drills with the second team, signaling progress but not a guaranteed return. Coach White emphasizes the importance of Clark's long-term health over a rushed comeback, and ideally, the team would like Clark to play a few regular-season games before the playoffs to regain rhythm. The Fever's playoff hopes heavily depend on Clark's availability, as a return during the postseason without prior game time would be less than ideal.