Caitlin Clark Cleared for Fever-Aces Clash After Injury-Related Absence

Caitlin Clark Sidelined Again as Fever Face Aces; All-Star Status Unaffected
By Eric Blum | Updated: 03:02 BST, 3 July 2025

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will miss her fourth consecutive game Thursday against the Las Vegas Aces due to a lingering groin injury, the team announced. This marks the ninth game Clark has missed this season, including five earlier absences from a quad issue. Despite her absence, the Fever have held steady with a 2-1 record during her latest hiatus, including Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Cup win over the Minnesota Lynx.

[Image 1: Clark watches from the bench during a recent game.]

Indiana’s record with and without Clark remains identical at 4-4, placing them at 8-8 overall—a .500 mark as they prepare to face the reigning champion Aces, led by MVP A’ja Wilson. No timeline has been provided for Clark’s return, though her next opportunity to play will be Saturday’s home game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

All-Star Honors Amid Absences
Despite missing significant time, Clark was voted a captain for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, earning a league-high 1,293,526 fan votes. She’ll co-captain alongside Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier (1,176,020 votes), drafting teams from the All-Star pool. This marks Clark’s second selection, following her 2024 appearance for “Team WNBA” against the Olympic roster.

Mixed Impact of Clark’s Absence
The Fever’s resilience without their star has sparked debates about Clark’s on-court influence. While teammates like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have stepped up, Clark’s scoring punch is undeniable. Before her injury, however, the guard faced a stark shooting slump, going 1-of-17 from three-point range over two games, including an 0-for-6 performance against Seattle.

[Image 2: Clark struggles during a recent game, surrounded by defenders.]

Teammates Rally Amid Struggles
Indiana’s roster has publicly supported Clark during her rough patch. “Every player has ups and downs. We trust her to bounce back,” said veteran Erica Wheeler. Coach Christie Sides emphasized Clark’s role in elevating the team’s pace and offensive creativity, even as her shooting percentages dipped.

Looking Ahead
With the All-Star Game two weeks away, Clark’s health remains a priority. A strong second-half surge could position Indiana for its first playoff berth since 2016. For now, the Fever aim to tread water without their marquee player, testing their depth against elite competition like Las Vegas.

Stay tuned for updates on Clark’s status and the Fever’s playoff push.

Images: AP Photo (Clark on bench), Getty Images (in-game action)