Iowa star athlete Caitlin Clark discloses the comprehensive extent of her injury troubles, sparking swift response from the Indiana Fever during a potential crisis.
Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the Indiana Fever, has been dealing with a series of soft-tissue injuries this season, keeping her out of action for more than 20 games [1][4]. Clark's absence has significantly impacted the Fever's performance, with the team struggling to maintain consistency during the periods she has been sidelined [2].
The Fever's 2025 season is heavily reliant on Clark's return, given her star status and offensive contributions. During her extended absence, the team has managed a 2-3 record in a five-game stretch she missed early due to a quad injury [2].
Clark has suffered multiple injuries, including a left quad strain early on, followed by a left groin injury, and most recently a right groin injury that has kept her out for over 13 consecutive games as of mid-August 2025 [1][4]. The team is cautiously optimistic she may return before the regular season ends [4][5].
In the meantime, the Fever have turned to veteran player Odyssey Sims, who joined the team on a hardship contract. Sims, a 12-year veteran of the WNBA and a former All-Star in 2019, has averaged 9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in the 12 games she played for the Fever [6]. Sims has also shown her prowess as a traditional point guard, shooting 41.7% from the field and 35.3% from 3-point range in those games [6].
Kelsey Mitchell, who impressed as the point guard for the Fever against the Chicago Sky, has also stepped up in Clark's absence. Mitchell put up an impressive 26 points and eight assists in that game [3].
Despite Clark's absence, the Fever remain the biggest draw in the WNBA. However, her unavailability is highlighted in the statistics [7]. Clark, who is aware of the fans who spend their time, money, and resources to watch her play, has mentioned that she spends more time signing autographs when she is hurt than when she is active [8].
In a recent interview on Sue Bird's podcast, Clark admitted feeling a responsibility to play every game. She has also stated that she is going to attend every road game, whether she is playing or not [8].
The WNBA is currently enjoying a viewership surge, with July's viewership up 21% compared to the full 2024 season [9]. Fans eagerly await Clark's return to the court and the impact she could have on the Fever's season.
[1] Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark Out for at Least Two Weeks with Groin Injury
[2] Indiana Fever Struggle in Caitlin Clark's Absence
[3] Kelsey Mitchell Shines as Point Guard for Indiana Fever
[4] Caitlin Clark's Injury Woes Continue to Plague Indiana Fever
[5] Indiana Fever Remain Cautiously Optimistic About Caitlin Clark's Return
[6] Odyssey Sims' Impact on Indiana Fever in Clark's Absence
[7] Indiana Fever's Attendance Suffers in Caitlin Clark's Absence
[8] Caitlin Clark's Interview on Sue Bird's Podcast
[9] WNBA Viewership Surges in 2025
The Fever's 2025 season eagerly awaits Caitlin Clark's return, as her star status and offensive contributions are crucial for the team's success. Meanwhile, the WNBA is experiencing a viewership surge, with fans eager to witness Clark's impact on the Fever's season.
