The Indiana Fever’s playoff push continues to intensify, but the franchise remains without star guard Caitlin Clark, who is still sidelined with a groin injury suffered on July 17 against the Connecticut Sun.
Clark has now missed 17 straight games and 25 overall this season. While she has recently taken part in pregame shootarounds and team walkthroughs — including on Aug. 24 and Aug. 29 — her activity remains limited to non-contact drills. Fever head coach Stephanie White has reiterated Clark will need multiple full-contact practices before any return is considered.
Indiana Fever Grab Key Road Win
On Friday night in Los Angeles, the Fever (21-18) strengthened their postseason outlook with a dramatic 76-75 victory over the Sparks (17-20). Odyssey Sims, waived by Los Angeles in July before signing with Indiana on Aug. 10, scored the team’s final five points, including the game-winning runner with 13.6 seconds left.
Sims finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists, marking her second consecutive 20-point outing. All-Star center Aliyah Boston anchored the Fever with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high six steals. Kelsey Mitchell added 12 points as Indiana’s magic number to clinch a playoff berth dropped to three with five games remaining.
The Fever continue their road swing at Golden State on Sunday before visiting Phoenix on Tuesday. They return home next Friday against Chicago.
Cynthia Cooper Urges Patience
As Indiana fights for playoff positioning, one of the most decorated players in league history is advising caution with Clark’s recovery.
“You’ve got to heal,” Cynthia Cooper said during an Aug. 30 appearance on CBS Sports’ We Need to Talk. “You can’t go through a season dipping in, coming out… just heal. Because when we see Caitlin Clark, we want to see the real Caitlin Clark. We want to see you play the way we know you are capable of playing, with the fire you bring to every single game and every single competition, every single matchup. We want to see you shine.”
Cooper added: “So heal, sweetheart. Let your leg heal. So when you come out, you’re firing on all cylinders, and you’re the Caitlin Clark — you’re better than the Caitlin Clark — we saw in your rookie year. And keep your mind right during this phase that you have to heal. Just keep your fire going, and be ready to step back out there on the court, both physically and mentally.”
Lisa Leslie’s Take
Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie echoed similar concerns earlier this week, suggesting Clark should not return this season at all, even if the Fever secure a playoff spot.
“You want to see Caitlin Clark for the longevity of her career. I’m just thinking, me personally, I would not put Caitlin Clark back on the floor this season,” Leslie told CBS Sports.
“I would not put Caitlin Clark back on the floor this season.” @LisaLeslie put her GM hat on when discussing the @IndianaFever star’s injury. pic.twitter.com/psoQN5OuHS
— We Need To Talk (@WeNeedToTalk) August 26, 2025
Leslie, who dealt with a deep groin injury during her career, warned of the risks: “That deep groin injury is nothing to play around with. It can feel like you’ve never had it, you make one move, one cut — boom — she’s back in the same spot. I don’t know that it’s worth risking it. If they get the eighth spot and you get into the playoffs, is it really worth looking at Minnesota in Round 1? I don’t know. That’s just my opinion.”
Balancing Caitlin Clark’s Situation
The Fever’s playoff hopes are within reach, but Clark’s health remains a delicate balance of short-term gain and long-term security. Her competitive drive may push for a return if Indiana locks in a postseason berth, but both Cooper and Leslie — two of the game’s all-time greats — have urged her to prioritize full recovery over rushing back too soon.
For now, Clark is limited to light participation, with no confirmed timetable for her return. Indiana’s postseason run may unfold without its star rookie, but the franchise is weighing the bigger picture: ensuring Clark is healthy and ready to lead the Fever well beyond 2025.
