Fever Face Mercury Without Caitlin Clark in Crucial Matchup
The Indiana Fever are gearing up for a big one Wednesday night as they host the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But there’s one huge headline overshadowing the excitement: Caitlin Clark won’t be suiting up—again. It’s now the fifth straight game she’s missed due to a right groin injury, and fans are definitely feeling her absence.
Clark first tweaked the groin late in the Fever’s July 15 win over the Connecticut Sun, right after dishing a clutch assist in the final minute. She immediately grabbed at her side, visibly in pain, and hasn’t returned since. While tests showed no additional damage, the Fever are being extra cautious with her rehab, prioritizing her long-term health. There’s still no official timetable for her return, and that uncertainty hangs heavy for a team that’s clinging to playoff hopes.
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This injury is just the latest in what’s been a tough, stop-and-start season for Clark. In total, she’s missed 14 regular-season games this year—more than half of Indiana’s contests. Earlier in the season, she dealt with a left quad strain and a separate groin issue, and those setbacks already sidelined her for several weeks. Add in the All-Star Game and 3-point contest—both hosted in Indy, no less—and it’s clear Clark has had to sit out some of the most anticipated moments of her sophomore season.
Still, despite her absence, the Fever have been holding their own. They’ve won their last two games, including a solid road victory over the Chicago Sky. Kelsey Mitchell has stepped up in a big way, averaging over 22 points this month and dropping a season-high 35 in Chicago. Her performance has helped Indiana keep their footing in the playoff race, sitting sixth in the standings at 14-12.
On the other side, Phoenix comes into the game with a 16-9 record and plenty of star power. Satou Sabally leads the team in scoring, and Alyssa Thomas—who’s been a triple-double machine—ranks first in the league in assists. The Mercury recently snapped a three-game losing streak, so they’re looking to build momentum of their own.
This game also marks a few reunions. Sophie Cunningham will face her former team for the first time since being traded to Indiana, while DeWanna Bonner, who had a short stint with the Fever earlier this season, is now back with Phoenix.
So, while Caitlin Clark won’t be on the floor, there’s still plenty of firepower, storylines, and playoff implications to watch for when the Fever and Mercury tip off.
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