Caitlin Clark appeared in her first preseason game of 2025 on Sunday as the Indiana Fever defeated the Brazilian national team, but she continues to manage a left leg issue that kept her out of the first preseason contest.
On Wednesday, Fever head coach Stephanie White gave an update on Clark’s status, explaining that she remains limited in training sessions as the team takes a careful approach with their top draft pick.
“She’s been limited in practice, so we’re still very cautious about working her way back and really letting her body kind of tell her how much she’s able to do,” White said, according to Chloe Peterson of the Indy Star.
“We’re really relying on the training staff, and she’s making great progress. And that’s what we need, just to make sure that we’re super cautious,” the head coach told reporters as cited by the outlet.
Caitlin Clark during the preseason match against Brazil (Getty Images)
Clark said she was ‘nervous’ to return to the court
As Clark missed the exhibition victory in Indianapolis over the Washington Mystics, the guard admitted she was “nervous” to return to the court. “I haven’t played [a game] in, like 200 days, so I was a little nervous going in,” Clark said, per ESPN. “The competitive spirit in me, you just want to play really good for these fans.”
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Clark described the issue as “just a little tightness” in her left leg before Saturday’s game. She returned to action in the following matchup, which took place at the University of Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
She finished that game with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, showcasing her signature deep shooting range despite the lingering injury, as she sank a long three-pointer from the same spot where she once broke the NCAA women’s scoring record.
What’s ahead for the Fever?
Indiana closes out its preseason schedule this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. The regular season tips off a week later with a game against the Chicago Sky at home. It is one of the most highly anticipated matchups, especially as the Fever are looking like serious contenders.
