“There is no right answer [to the schedule issue], but I have to say this: with less rest, more travel, putting players in positions to get hurt.” This is how the Indiana Fever head coach, Stephanie White, described the regular season so far. The tight-packed schedule has led to several injuries this year. While Caitlin Clark’s initial injury came as a massive setback for the league and impacted a sudden 53% dip in television ratings this season, it was not long before other big names from the league began joining her on the bench, too. From Angel Reese to Napheesa Collier, each prominent player has tackled their share of health scares so far.
But the largest setback came for the Dallas Wings. As a rebuilding roster, they had to part ways with the overall No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers, due to a concussion protocol and an unnamed illness. While Bueckers did mark a powerful 35-point return to the roster, her recent back injury is a threat to the roster. Especially as they face the Indiana Fever in a few hours. While the guards Bueckers and Clark locked horns for the first time on July 13, 2025, the league wants to further bank on the possibility. Or so it seems.
National reporter Robin Lundberg highlighted a major blunder on the WNBA game-day app that misled fans into thinking that they would get to watch their favorite player in action. “No one really expected Clark to play against the Wings. But there was that update on the WNBA app that confused people a little bit. You can see it here. It has Caitlin Clark listed as a game time decision,” Robin pointed out. The application updated Clark’s injury status to GTD instead of a definitive Out.
Moreover, this update comes despite head coach Stephanie White’s prior interview, in which she refused Clark’s possible return on the hardwood. Lundberg also hinted at the mishap as a result of ESPN’s projected return date for the Fever guard. “I don’t know where their information comes from,” he began. “If I had to guess, you know, that ESPN estimate of August 12 as her return and the fact that there had been no official status updates from the team since, put it up in the air.”
Since Clark has already missed out on 11 straight games owing to her impending right groin injury, Bueckers’ return to the hardwood is equally uncertain. The Dallas reporter, Joey Mistretta, took to X and provided an update for the Wings. He reported that Paige Bueckers’ playing status remains questionable ahead of the tipoff against the Fever. Despite the franchise’s three straight losses against the third-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, fans cannot help but draw comparisons between two of the best guards in the league.
While the Indiana Fever looks to welcome the Dallas Wings to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse without Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, or their superstar Caitlin Clark, the Wings have an advantage at hand. But with Chloe Bibby and Odyssey Sims against the Wings, can HC Chris Koclanes and his locker room manage to clinch at least one victory? Despite Fever’s guard hanging low, they still are a formidable team to tackle.
Stephanie White clears the air ahead of the Wings game
While fans wait in anticipation to watch their favorite Indiana Fever player, Caitlin Clark on the hardwood once again, the head coach had some disappointing news ahead of the Dallas Wings tipoff. With all errors surrounding Clark’s playing status, HC Stephanie White cleared the air in a recent interview.
On being asked if Clark returned to practice, White said, “No return to practice. She’s been able to get a little bit more in her full-court running with all of her body weight.” Despite no definitive timeline for the athlete’s return on the hardwood, HC White hinted at a ray of hope. She highlighted Clark’s progress during the practice sessions.
Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots against Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (left) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
“It’s really building up from doing minimal to then building some endurance to do longer periods of time,” White added. “She’s been able to do a little bit more on the court in terms of how she moves. But not into practice yet though.” While her progress has been a slow process, the team is more focused on her health.
With barely a few weeks before the games come to a close, can Indiana Fever make it to the playoffs without Clark? While boasting an 18-14 stat so far, can they bridge the gap and take the win this season? As the third-ranked team in the Eastern Conference standings and a new replacement athlete in Odyssey Sims, the Fever has an upper hand so far.
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