“Not everyone that doesn’t practice or gets a pro day is on the IR …” White revealed during her press conference once the game concluded. In that case, the follow-up question was about the update to the injury report. “She wasn’t on the IR earlier b/c we expected her to play.”

This controversial decision by the Fever staff led many to start questioning the possibility of a potential sanction. However, the head coach herself believes there is no reason for that to happen.

What ails Caitlin Clark?

Once again, Caitlin Clark is making headlines due to physical discomfort, although in this case it does not appear to be too serious. A back soreness led the staff to rule her out of the game in which her team defeated the Fire 90–73. They are now hoping for her quick recovery so she can be available for the game against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday night.

Boston, Mitchell and Hull took charge of the Fever

With Caitlin Clark out, the rest of her teammates had to step up against the Portland Fire. Aliyah Boston was the standout of the game, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds on just 11 shots, with Kelsey Mitchell also adding 21 points on 11 shots of her own. Lexie Hull scored 16 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting, all from three-point range.

What’s next for Indiana?

• vs Golden State Valkyries, May 22nd
• at Golden State Valkyries, May 28th
• at Portland Fire, May 30th
• vs Atlanta Dream, June 4th
• at New York Liberty, June 6th

“I don’t have any information,” the head coach Stephanie White said to the press regarding Boston’s injury status. “I haven’t spoken to our medical staff yet.”

Injuries have been a constant concern for the player over the past few weeks, not only during the preseason but also during her time with Team USA. Aliyah Boston, through the three games played so far, is averaging 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Caitlin Clark aims to lead the Fever once again

Caitlin Clark will look to take complete control of the Indiana Fever’s offense today as they host the Seattle Storm, with both teams sitting at a 1-2 record early in the season. Clark is coming off a spectacular performance against the Washington Mystics, where she exploded for 32 points—including a franchise-record five three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone to force overtime—alongside 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in a tough 104-102 loss.

Through three games of the 2026 campaign, the second-year guard has been carrying a massive load, averaging 33.0 minutes and shooting 41.3% from the field while actively trying to anchor an Indiana squad searching for consistency and better defensive growth.

Fever’s upcoming games

Although the WNBA season has only just begun, it is important not to drop games along the way in order to stay firmly in the playoff race. These are the upcoming matchups that the Indiana Fever will have to face as they look ahead to what’s coming next.

• vs Seattle Storm, May 17th
• vs Portland Fire, May 20th
• vs Golden State Valkyries, May 22nd
• at Golden State Valkyries, May 28th

Once the game ended, Clark emphasized during the press conference the importance of staying engaged throughout the game. “That’s like the hardest thing as a basketball player, is when you’re not making shots, to really stay in it. So, I was certainly proud of myself. Really, really battled.”

This resilience could become a determining factor for this team and its championship aspirations. In a season as long as the WNBA campaign, where ups and downs are often unavoidable, the ability to bounce back from defeats is essential for true contenders.

During her time on the court, Caitlin Clark finished with 32 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. A clutch shot late in the fourth quarter sent the game to overtime, where the Indiana Fever eventually fell 104-102 to the Washington Mystics.

Caitlin Clark rose above even her injuries

Resilience is not just about a result during a game or a tournament. Resilience is also about overcoming difficult moments, including injuries.

A persistent groin injury kept the Indiana Fever from having their biggest star available for much of last season, limiting Caitlin Clark to just 13 games. Now fully recovered, the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout has shown in the three games she has played so far why she is one of the league’s biggest stars today.

What’s next for the Fever?

Three games played, with one win and two losses, is the current record of the Indiana Fever so far in the 2026 WNBA season. Gradually, Stephanie White’s team is looking to find its best form, and these are the upcoming games they have ahead:

• vs Seattle Storm, May 17th
• vs Portland Fire, May 20th
• vs Golden State Valkyries, May 22nd
• at Golden State Valkyries, May 28th

Cynthia Cooper accomplished it in 45 games, while Seimone Augustus did it in 46 games. Notably, Hall-of-Famer Tamika Catchings also scored her 1,000th point in her 54th game with the Fever.

• Cynthia Cooper: 45 games (Houston Comets)
• Seimone Augustus: 46 games (Minnesota Lynx)
• Arike Ogunbowale: 51 games (Dallas Wings)
• Elena Delle Donne: 52 games (Chicago Sky)
• A’ja Wilson: 53 games (Las Vegas Aces)
• Caitlin Clark: 54 games (Indiana Fever)
• Tamika Catchings: 54 games (Indiana Fever)
• Breanna Stewart: 54 games (New York Liberty)

The former Iowa Hawkeyes player continues to leave her mark on the history of this league. Previously, she reached 400 assists in just 48 games, becoming the fastest player to achieve it.

Clark’s return to the court

Caitlin Clark finished yesterday’s tough loss against the Wings with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, showing flashes of her signature playmaking despite the result. It was a highly anticipated return for the star guard, especially considering her last official appearance on the court dates back to July 2025.

Entering WNBA history

Although Caitlin Clark still has a long way to go in her WNBA career, it already appears she could eventually climb into the league’s all-time leading scorers. Currently, the 10th spot in the Top 10 is held by Candace Parker with 6,574 points.

While the podium remains headlined by Diana Taurasi (10,646), Tina Charles (8,396), and DeWanna Bonner (7,807), Clark is steadily climbing the ranks of the league’s most elite scorers.

“It was a great test. It was a great game. Our locker room was positive afterwards,” she revealed during her press conference. July 15, 2025, was the last time Clark officially stepped onto the court alongside her teammates.

In a 107–104 loss decided on the final play with a three-point attempt by Kelsey Mitchell that did not go in, the home team fought until the end but were unable to come away with the victory.

Caitlin Clark finished with strong stats in her return: 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Gradually, the team’s biggest star is regaining her best form.

The moment Clark had to be assisted

During a stretch of the game, Caitlin Clark went to the locker room to have her back adjusted. When asked about the situation, Stephanie White, head coach of the Indiana Fever, revealed that it will be a recurring situation.

“It’s going to be an ongoing thing,” she said. White also added: “We wouldn’t have played her 30 minutes if she wasn’t okay.”

What’s next for the Fever?

The Indiana Fever are gearing up for a busy and competitive week as they look to build momentum in the standings. The stretch begins on Wednesday, May 13, with a challenging road trip to take on the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.

The team then returns to its home court for a pair of matchups, hosting the Washington Mystics on Friday, May 15, followed by a high-energy clash against the Seattle Storm on Sunday, May 17. This three-game slate represents a crucial opportunity for the roster to showcase its growth in front of a home crowd.

According to the Fever’s official website, the franchise has waived guards Megan McConnell, Jessica Timmons, and Kayana Traylor. Last-minute changes to Indiana’s rotation.

Both Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are the team’s top standouts at that position. From here on, it will be a matter of seeing what strategy the coach will use for each of the matchups ahead.

The highly anticipated debut for the Fever

The highly anticipated return of the Indiana Fever is set for Saturday, May 9, as they tip off their regular season at home. The game will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where they are scheduled to face the Dallas Wings.

Fans can expect the action to begin at 1:00 p.m. ET, marking the start of a historic 44-game season where every single Fever matchup will be featured on national television.

Fever’s coach Stephanie White eagerly awaits Clark’s return

The outcome of the Fever’s last season might have been different if Caitlin Clark had been fully healthy. With her groin injury now behind her, Stephanie White is excited about what her star player can bring to the team.

“I’m happy for her that she can find joy in playing again and just go out and do what she does best,” the head coach recently revealed to the press.

Clark wants to take it step by step after her injury

The game against the Wings will mark Clark’s return to the court after a long absence in the WNBA following her injury in the 2025 season. Although she feels fully healthy, the guard prefers to ease her way into the start of the season.

“I think you just take it game by game. That’s how you approach things. This one is just as important as the next, but you remain focused on the one right in front of you.”

“Opening Day can feel so big and so daunting, and it means so much… but you can’t blow it out of proportion,” the star revealed in a conversation with the press.

The team coached by Stephanie White saw its dreams cut short last season in the semifinals. Next weekend, at a Gainbridge Fieldhouse expected to be filled with local fans, the Fever will take their first step toward a new dream in the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark’s anticipated return

Caitlin Clark’s 2025 WNBA regular season came to an abrupt and bittersweet end on July 15, 2025. During a high-stakes matchup against the Connecticut Sun, Clark was sidelined after suffering a right groin injury.

Despite the setback, the Indiana Fever managed to secure the victory, but the atmosphere remained tense as fans and teammates awaited news on their star. During the last season, the former Iowa Hawkeyes player was only able to see the court in 13 games.

Indiana’s early challenges

The Indiana Fever’s early schedule kicks off with an exciting string of matchups, starting with their home debut against the Dallas Wings this Saturday. Following the opener, the team hits the road to face the Los Angeles Sparks on May 13, before returning to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a two-game homestand. They will host the Washington Mystics on May 15 and wrap up the opening stretch against the Seattle Storm on May 17.

Will Lexie Hull get minutes on Fever’s debut?

As the Indiana Fever prepare for their season opener, Lexie Hull’s availability remains a key storyline due to lingering hamstring issues. Regarding her status for the debut, Hull describes her injury as continued tightness, and says she anticipates playing Saturday, but “we’ll see how much I get to play.”

“I feel great,” the shooting guard said in an interview after missing the preseason games due to injury. Clark, meanwhile, hit one of her knees in one of those matchups, which raised concern among both fans and observers.

The Fever’s main star appeared at today’s practice wearing a leg sleeve, but Stephanie White downplayed the situation. “It looks good on her, doesn’t it?” the head coach said, via the Indianapolis Star’s Chloe Peterson. It’s “a style thing,” she added.

Next Saturday, May 9, Indiana will begin a new dream of reaching the Finals. Expecting a full-packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they will host Paige Bueckers’ team in an attempt to start on the right foot.

The injury that has troubled Hull

Lexie Hull was sidelined for the entire 2026 preseason due to a lingering hamstring injury. Initially described as “hamstring tightness,” the issue forced her to miss all three exhibition games against the New York Liberty, Dallas Wings, and the Nigerian National Team as head coach Stephanie White opted for a precautionary approach.

Positive preseason for Indiana

The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, showcased a high-powered offense throughout their three-game preseason slate. They kicked off with a dominant 109–91 victory over the New York Liberty, followed by a tough 95–80 loss against the Dallas Wings.

The Fever closed out their exhibition schedule in spectacular fashion, routing the Nigerian National Team 105–57. These performances highlighted the team’s scoring potential and the growing chemistry between Clark and the rest of the roster as they prepare for the 2026 regular season.

The first challenges for the Fever

With the main goal of starting the season in strong form and ultimately going beyond the semifinal finish achieved in 2025, these are the first games the Fever will face:

• vs Dallas Wings, May 9th
• at Los Angeles Sparks, May 13th
• vs Washington Mystics, May 15th
• vs Seattle Storm, May 17th
• vs Portland Fire, May 20th

Chloe Peterson, through her X account, reported that Clark did not have any overnight swelling or any residual issues from this incident. The Fever can breathe easy, as everything appears to be continuing normally for their key player.

13 minutes on the court, 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists against the Nigeria national team eased any concerns about her health status. It looks like the next WNBA season will feature one of its biggest stars from the start in great shape.

Moments Clark doesn’t want to relive

Caitlin Clark’s 2025 season was unfortunately cut short by a persistent groin injury, limiting her to just 13 appearances. Despite the lack of availability, she was superb on the court, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Heading into 2026, her primary focus is a full recovery and a rigorous conditioning program to ensure she stays healthy and available for the entire campaign.

After the Fever exercised her fourth-year option, both the franchise and Clark will look to improve on last season’s performance and firmly establish themselves among the league’s elite by reaching the Finals.

Fever deliver dominant performance against Nigeria

The Indiana Fever closed their preseason with a dominant 105-57 victory over the Nigeria national team, following a tough 80-95 loss against the Dallas Wings. Caitlin Clark remained the focal point, putting up 21 points against Dallas before adding 12 points and 4 assists in limited minutes against Nigeria.

Kelsey Mitchell also shined with 17 points in the finale, while Aliyah Boston made a strong return with 6 assists. Looking ahead, the Fever will face Dallas again on May 9 to kick off the regular season, focusing on maintaining this health and offensive rhythm.

While this year, Stephanie White’s star player will earn a salary of $528,846, under the league’s new rules her financial future appears to be much more promising.

Because Clark earned All-WNBA honors as a rookie, she has unique leverage. What’s this story about? She is eligible to renegotiate her fourth-year salary into a much higher figure or sign a multi-year extension as early as this year. Also, she could be eligible for a max contract extension worth up to $1.3 million per year.

The message from the Indiana Fever is clear: they aim to keep their franchise star for years to come. It remains to be seen what will happen in the near future, but the outlook appears favorable for both sides.

Caitlin Clark’s salary compared to Angel Reese’s

While both players are seeing historic pay increases under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a notable gap remains in their base compensation for the 2026 season.

Angel Reese is set to earn approximately $350,692 this year, a massive leap from her previous rookie-scale salary but still significantly lower than the figures projected for Clark. Beyond the financial shift, Reese’s career is entering a new chapter following her recent blockbuster trade from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream earlier this April.

This move, which sent Reese to Atlanta in exchange for multiple first-round picks, marks a major transition as she looks to anchor a new franchise while navigating the WNBA’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Clark is eagerly awaiting the new WNBA season

With Caitlin Clark at full physical strength, the Indiana Fever are entering a crucial stretch as they transition from their preseason success—highlighted by a dominant 109–91 win over the Liberty—into the official 2026 campaign. Their final preseason tune-ups include a home matchup tonight, April 30, against the Dallas Wings, followed by a meeting with the Nigerian National Team on May 2.

The regular season kicks off with high expectations on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against Dallas, marking the start of a demanding May schedule that features key road tests against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Golden State Valkyries.

“She was good,” the head coach said, according to Robin Lundberg. “You know, I think we play differently when she’s on the floor. And so again, learning how to to play with her in the action. I thought she was good, I thought she didn’t force anything, she played with great intention, and everything that she did was in the flow.”

Clark finished the game with 17 minutes played, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block in a 109–91 victory. Slowly but surely, one of the biggest stars in the WNBA is getting back into form, which is very good news for the Fever.

Boosting Caitlin Clark’s shooting

Caitlin Clark has been slowly recovering from her groin injury, which limited her to just 13 games last season. Getting back into rhythm is not easy, so the head coach will need to maximize her abilities to help her star rediscover her characteristic shooting touch on the court.

“She was communicating at a high level. I mean, if we’re talking about the shot making, like, that’s going to come, they play her differently in the W than they do in international basketball, and so we’ve just got to find ways to free her up, to get her some easy looks,” White said.

Throughout the game, Caitlin Clark attempted 10 field goals, making only 2. Her efficiency was well below her usual level, but it should be taken into account that her last game with the team came in July 2025.

Indiana Fever’s upcoming games

The Indiana Fever are currently in the midst of their 2026 preparations, having already kicked off the preseason yesterday. Their exhibition slate continues this week as they host the Dallas Wings on Thursday, April 30, followed by a special matchup against the Nigeria National Team on May 2.

The regular season officially tips off on Saturday, May 9, with a highly anticipated home opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Dallas Wings. This game is set to be a major highlight of the WNBA’s 30th anniversary season, potentially featuring the last four No. 1 overall draft picks on the same court.