Caitlin Clark explains why she'll miss Fever's matchup with Mercury

Caitlin Clark's return to the court lasted just one game before another scheduled absence, but the Indiana Fever star made it clear there isn't a new injury setback. After returning Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Sparks following a two-game absence with a back injury, Clark confirmed she will not suit up Thursday when the Fever face the Phoenix Mercury. The decision was made before she even stepped on the floor in Los Angeles and is part of Indiana's plan to carefully manage her return.

Clark addressed her status before Wednesday's game, offering an encouraging update about how she's feeling.

Caitlin Clark says she's taking recovery 'game by game'

Clark told reporters that she's pleased with the progress she's made after aggravating her back during Indiana's June 24 game against the Mercury.

"I feel good," Clark said before Wednesday's contest. "Just taking it game by game. It's tough to come back on a back-to-back, so I won't be available tomorrow (in Phoenix) solely because of just minute restriction and my progression back."

The Fever held Clark to just 16 minutes against the Sparks as part of that recovery plan. She finished with nine points, four rebounds and three assists while shooting 4-for-12 from the field in Indiana's 106-92 loss. Head coach Stephanie White echoed that approach after the game, explaining that Clark's conditioning and endurance still need time to return after missing nearly two weeks.

Fever taking cautious approach

Indiana has been careful not to rush its franchise star back into a full workload. White previously explained that returning from injury is rarely an overnight process, particularly for a player like Clark, who regularly faces full-court defensive pressure every time she steps on the floor.

Rather than risk aggravating the injury during the second game of a back-to-back, the Fever chose to prioritize Clark's long-term health. It's a decision that could pay dividends as Indiana enters the second half of the regular season.

MORE: Aliyah Boston reveals what she told Caitlin Clark after latest technical foul

Clark remains one of WNBA's top stars

Even after missing time, Clark continues to produce at an elite level. The three-time WNBA All-Star is averaging 20.5 points, 7.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds this season, ranking among the league leaders in both scoring and assists. Her playmaking has helped fuel one of the WNBA's highest-powered offenses when she's been available.

The Fever have also dealt with other key injuries, including Aliyah Boston missing Wednesday's loss to the Sparks because of a leg injury, making Clark's availability even more important moving forward.

All eyes shift to Sunday's matchup

Although Clark won't face Phoenix on Thursday, the Fever will have a few days before returning to action against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. That additional recovery time should give Clark another opportunity to increase her workload in practice and continue building toward playing full minutes again.

For Fever fans, Clark's comments provided the most encouraging takeaway.

She isn't dealing with a new injury. Instead, Indiana is sticking to a carefully planned recovery schedule designed to ensure its biggest star is healthy for the stretch run of the 2026 WNBA season.

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