Caitlin Clark Sidelined as Fever Face Lynx in Key WNBA Clash
The Indiana Fever stepped back on their home court Friday night, August 22, to host the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, but one major headline lingered before the opening tip: Caitlin Clark was once again sidelined. The former Iowa superstar, who entered her sophomore season as an MVP favorite, has been forced out of action after a groin injury on July 15, leaving Fever fans to adjust to a new reality without their young star.
Clark’s injury occurred late in a win over the Connecticut Sun when she delivered a bounce-pass assist and immediately signaled discomfort. It was later confirmed as a right groin strain, adding to a string of muscle injuries that have now cost her 23 games this season. What makes this stretch even more frustrating is the contrast to her college and rookie year, where she never missed a single contest. Now, no timetable has been set for her return, leaving the Fever to lean on their depth as the playoff race heats up.
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Despite Clark’s absence, Indiana hasn’t folded. The roster has undergone changes, with injuries to key guards like Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson, forcing the team to bring in experienced replacements such as Odyssey Sims and Shey Peddy. Veterans like Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard have carried the offensive load, while second-year center Aliyah Boston continues to prove why she’s considered one of the best young players in the league. Boston’s performance in the Commissioner’s Cup, where she helped lead Indiana past Minnesota, reminded fans that this Fever team has resilience in its DNA.
The Lynx, meanwhile, entered this matchup as the WNBA’s top team, even without star forward Napheesa Collier, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Minnesota had its six-game win streak snapped earlier in the week, but the squad’s depth and defensive toughness have made them a formidable opponent all year long. With the Fever having enjoyed four full days of rest and Minnesota coming in on a back-to-back, the stage was set for an intriguing battle.
For fans eager to follow along, the game was broadcast nationally on ION, with streaming options available through FuboTV’s free trial and Amazon’s League Pass. The Fever’s schedule doesn’t get easier—after this matchup, they face Minnesota again on Sunday before turning to showdowns with Seattle, Los Angeles, and Golden State to close out August.
Even as she rehabs, Caitlin Clark’s impact continues to be felt around the sport. From setting records with her rookie trading card to unveiling community basketball courts and giving back to kids in her home state of Iowa, her presence extends far beyond the box score. While Fever fans are eager for her return, the team has shown that it won’t stop competing in her absence. Friday’s game against the Lynx was more than just another date on the calendar—it was a test of how well this Fever squad can adapt and fight without its brightest star.
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