The Indiana Fever have had to play the majority of their 2025 WNBA season without their best player, Caitlin Clark. Although the season started with a lot of hope and excitement, that excitement was curtailed just 4 games into the season. But despite all the setbacks from Caitlin Clark’s injuries, the Indiana Fever have managed to stay afloat and sit in the 5th seed at this stage. With CC making slow but steady progress in her recovery, the opponents are looking over their shoulders.
Through a combination of groin and quad injuries, Caitlin Clark has only been able to play in 13 games this season. In the early part of the season, the Indiana Fever were not able to get wins without Caitlin Clark; recently, that trend has changed. Since the All-Star break, the Fever have had a surge and have racked up wins. During this period, they were also able to match decade-old franchise records.
But now, with Caitlin Clark taking steps for her return, the opponents are wary of the threat a healthy Indiana Fever possesses. Discussing the same on the Full Circle podcast, former champion Lexie Brown said that facing off against the Indiana Fever would be a tough matchup for anyone.
She said, “As long as they’re in playoff contention, I think she (Caitlin Clark) is going to probably continue to take her time getting back. So she will be available, being healthy during playoffs. And whoever is matched up with the Fever first round with a healthy Caitlin Clark, and a rested one at that, she’s not even going to be healthy. She’s going to be healthy and rested. Good luck!”
Lexie Brown also gave flowers to the entire team for holding down the fort and playing the right way. Recently, Lexie Brown’s Seattle Storm were handed a close 78-74 loss by the Indiana Fever. When asked what happened during the game, Lexie said, “They just play. They play fast as hell. Like on makes, on misses, they’re running the ball down your throat.” She attributed Indiana’s philosophy of playing fast. Usually, it’s Caitlin Clark leading these fast breaks. However, lately, it’s Sophie Cunningham or Kelsey Mitchell leading them.
Although there is still no timetable for Caitlin Clark’s return to play, the prospect of having to face her in the playoffs is still causing headaches. The Indiana Fever are currently sitting 5th in the league table and are in a close fight with the Phoenix Mercury for the 4th seed and home court advantage. If an opponent has to face the Indiana Fever away from home, with a healthy and rested Caitlin Clark, it is surely going to be a tall task to beat them.
Indiana Fever’s Upcoming Challenge: A Gruelling Schedule
Till now, the Indiana Fever have managed to hang on to a decent playoff position despite injury challenges. With Kelsey Mitchell leading the likes of Aliyah Boston, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard, the Fever fans are still dreaming of making a deep playoff run. However, with the game against Phoenix Mercury already ruling out 2 major players for the rest of the season, things are once again starting to look murky.
Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) talks to guard Lexie Hull (left) and forward Aliyah Boston (7) during the third quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson had played a big role at the point guard position during this resurgent last few weeks. However, with both of them now out for the rest of the season, the Indiana Fever have to navigate without a natural point guard until Caitlin Clark is back on the court. While the Fever did manage the challenge against the Chicago Sky, things in the near future might not be so simple.
From August 22nd, the Indiana Fever is going to have one of the toughest schedules in the league. In that stretch, they are playing the table toppers, the Minnesota Lynx, 3 times. They will also be up against the Phoenix Mercury and the Golden State Valkyries, both of whom are in playoff contention. And of course, they have another game against their kryptonite this year, the Los Angeles Sparks.
With all these challenges ahead, it’s clear that Kelsey Mitchell is going to need all the support she can get. Players like Sophie Cunningham, Aliyah Boston, and Natasha Howard need to continue performing. At the same time, Lexie Hull and new signing Chloe Bibby will also have to keep shooting the lights out from beyond the arc.
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