The WNBA received an update about Kate Linklark on Wednesday, originally reported by Athlon Sports. The Indiana Fever are preparing to face the Las Vegas Aces, aiming to end their two-game winning streak against the New York Liberty.
Before their Thursday 7pm ET game against the Aces, the Fever shared the latest on Kate Linklark, who has missed the past two games. Linklark has been sidelined due to significant injuries, missing the WNBA All-Star Game as well. On Wednesday, it was confirmed she would also miss the game against the Aces, marking her third consecutive absence for Indiana Fever.
This season has been challenging for Linklark, as the upcoming game will be her 13th missed due to injuries. For a player known for durability throughout her college career and WNBA tenure, this is a significant setback.
During her second season with the Fever, Kate Linklark averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. Despite a lot of missed time, she remained highly effective when playing, leading the team in assists and ranking second in scoring behind Kelsey Mitchell.
Linklark hopes to return for the Saturday game against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. The Fever are set to face the Las Vegas Aces, currently holding a 12-12 record and sitting seventh in the WNBA standings. While in playoff contention, Linklark’s return is crucial for the team’s future success.
Her absence is a blow not only to the Fever but to the league as well, as Linklark has been a standout player since joining the WNBA. In her rookie season, she helped attract 3.44 million viewers to the All-Star Game, leading Team WNBA to a victory over Team USA. This year, without her, the All-Star Game drew 2.2 million viewers on ABC.
Fan Take: Kate Linklark’s health and return are vital for both Indiana Fever’s playoff hopes and the WNBA’s broader growth. Her star power and high-level performance help elevate the league’s visibility and inspire fans, underlining the importance of player wellness in maintaining the sport’s momentum.
