Caitlin Clark is set to return to the Indiana Fever.
It’s official. Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark will return to the hardwood after a five-game absence with a quad strain.The Fever will face the New York Liberty next on Saturday in Brooklyn, New York. A full circle moment, Clark’s last appearance came against the Liberty on May 24. Having endured a 90-88 loss, the Fever will get a chance to rebound against New York. Ultimately, Clark’s 18-point, five-rebound, and 10-assist performance wasn’t enough to overcome Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch free throws.
The news is right on cue, as Clark’s absence has been felt by the Fever, who finished with a 2-3 record without their star guard. In addition, veteran guard Sophie Cunningham has missed the last three games with an ankle injury. Overall, Indiana holds a 4-5 win/loss record on the season. Without Clark, Indiana dropped its first two games out of the gate, falling to the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics. Against both sub .500 teams, the Fever shot just 44.5 percent from the field, 32.5 percent from beyond the arc over that span.
Caitlin Clark Set to Return After Five-Game Absence Due to Injury
Excited to get back on the court, Clark details what’s been the most challenging for her. Crediting the medical staff, she’s taken the time off as a learning opportunity. Clark has often been seen cheering on her squad afar on the bench.
“I’m really excited,” Clark told the media. “I think it’s definitely been a process. I think the hardest part is when you like to begin to feel really good, and then it’s just the process of working yourself back into actually getting up and down and getting out there with my teammates. That can be a little difficult at the same time when they’re prepping for other games I know I’m not going to be available in.” (Chloe Peterson of IndyStarSports)
With veteran point guard Syd Colson tabbed as the starter in place of Clark, the Fever went on a two-game winning streak against the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky. That run came to an end when the Atlanta Dream defeated the Fever 77–58 on Tuesday. For a team that puts up 81.7 points per game, the offense was abysmal. A newly revamped Atlanta Dream team held Indiana to 36.2 percent from the field, and 20.8 percent from the deep. Aside from Kelsey Mitchell (11 points), Natasha Howard (15 points), and Aari McDonald (14 points)—no other player on the roster scored in double figures.
Although the Fever made reinforcement’s in the off-season, Clark’s absence has been deeply felt not only by the team—but league wide. With her sidelined, nationally televised WNBA games have dipped 55 percent according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today. Over the five game span, the Fever rank No. 10 in offensive rating (99.5), shooting just 44.3 percent from the floor, and 33.3 percent from three. In addition, they’ve been outrebounded on the glass (27.2 RPG), and have attempted the sixth least 3-pointers per game with (23.4).
How Caitlin Clark’s Return Will Rejuvenate the Indiana Fever
Having missed her first game since high school, Clark’s absence has left the Fever without key 3-point shooting and playmaking. Kelsey Mitchell excels off-ball and has been fairly inconsistent without Clark. As a team, the Fever averaged the fifth least amount of assists per game (17.8 APG). Even with an abundance of talent in Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard, Aliyah Boston, and DeWanna Bonner, this team thrives with Clark—both on the court and in terms of fan engagement and viewership.
Despite missing five games, Clark ranks seventh in the WNBA in scoring with 19.0 points per game. She also sits second in 3-point attempts and leads the league in assists at 9.3 per game. Additionally, Clark leads all guards with 6.0 rebounds per games, proving her impact on the game runs well beyond 3-point shooting. A triple-double threat, Clark is considered a top point guard in the WNBA. Although her shooting percentages have been underwhelming, her ability to generate offense and push the pace in transition is essential to the team’s success. With a +9 on the court, it’s clear just how important the guard is to Indiana.
Having won the half court contest in Friday’s practice, Fever head coach Stephanie White is expecting both Clark and Cunningham to be available for Saturday’s matchup with New York.
“She’s [Clark] working her way back, and I felt like today was better than yesterday in terms of movement, and balance—and feeling like she’s getting back in the rhythm,” White said about Clark. “As long as we don’t have any regressions, she’s going to be ready to roll.”(Chloe Peterson of IndyStarSports)
Clark and the Fever to Face Liberty in Crucial Commissioner’s Cup Matchup
Drafted No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of Iowa, Clark’s impact on the league has been quintessential. Named Rookie of the Year last season, she has already recorded two double-doubles and a triple-double through just four games in 2025. As the team’s leader in both points and assists, Clark brings a fiery competitiveness—something the Fever will rely on as they head into Brooklyn on Saturday.
Not only do the Fever get a rematch with the reigning champions—this is a Commissioner’s Cup matchup. At 9-0 on the season, the Liberty hold first place in the Eastern Conference Cup standings with a 3-0 record and +75 point differential. Trailing right behind is the Fever, who have a 2-1 record during Cup games, and boast a +17 point differential.
With Clark’s return, the Fever waived guard Aari McDonald, who had been signed to a hardship contract on June 13. In a high-stakes matchup, the Fever and Liberty will square off at 3 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ABC and ESPN.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Writer, Journalist, Content Creator, Managing Editor, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
