Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark was notably absent during Saturday’s intense preseason clash against the Washington Mystics, leaving fans and analysts speculating about her status. The Fever struggled without her presence, trailing 33-21 late in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Her absence raised immediate concern given the buzz surrounding her highly anticipated debut.
Prior to tip-off, Indiana’s management revealed Clark was sidelined due to a minor left leg issue. While she was initially marked as “questionable” on the injury report, Clark later described the discomfort as “just a little tightness.” She had participated in team practices earlier that week, pointing to a likely precautionary move by the franchise, mindful of the non-competitive nature of the preseason.
Clark herself addressed the speculation before the game, stating that she would go through her regular warmups and then await the final call. Ultimately, the team opted to keep her out. Head Coach Stephanie White emphasized a long-term perspective, asserting that the organization prioritized Clark’s sustained health over risking her in an exhibition setting, especially ahead of a back-to-back that included a marquee matchup in Iowa.
There is no credible indication of any deeper injury concerns. The decision appears entirely rooted in strategic caution. Clark’s impact is expected to be profound once the regular season begins, and both the team and fans remain hopeful that her time on the sidelines is fleeting.
Looking ahead, Clark remains questionable for the Fever’s next preseason outing against the Atlanta Dream on May 10. However, early signs suggest a potential return. The 23-year-old, who led the league last season with 8.4 assists and contributed 19.2 points per game, is anticipated to make her debut in that encounter—barring any setbacks.