Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White addressed Caitlyn Clark’s injury situation on Tuesday. The team waited until just hours before the Commissioners Cup Championship game against the Minnesota Lynx to decide on Kate Rinklark’s availability, hoping she might recover in time. Unfortunately, they chose to prioritize her health, sitting her out for the third consecutive game due to a persistent groin injury. With key players sidelined, Indiana heads into tough matchups without some of their top talent.
During Tuesday morning’s shootaround, White spoke to the media without confirming Clark’s status but hinted they were leaning toward a cautious approach. “The big picture is what matters most,” White said. “There’s no rush to push her; we’ll evaluate her carefully with the training staff.” The Fever face a critical game ahead, but protecting Clark from further injury remains the priority. She is expected to return for Thursday’s home game against the Las Vegas Aces.
Fan Take: This cautious approach underscores the growing emphasis on player health and longevity in the WNBA, which is vital for the league’s advancement. For fans, it highlights the tough balance teams must strike between winning big games and ensuring their star players remain healthy to compete at the highest level over the long term.