Why Fever's subtle Caitlin Clark message points to a quick return from injury

The bad news for the Indiana Fever is Caitlin Clark will miss Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

The good news? Her absence might not linger for too long.

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Fever head coach Stephanie White has ruled Clark out of Saturday's home against the Sparks due to a back injury she aggravated in Wednesday's loss to the Phoenix Mercury.

However, reading a bit between the lines, White delivered a subtle message about Clark's status on Friday that points to a relatively quick return to the court.

"It's a good time because we have all week next week," White said, in reference to the Fever's upcoming schedule.

After Saturday, the Fever does not play again until July 5 against the Las Vegas Aces.

White means that Clark will have a lot of time to rest and receive treatment for her ailing back, in hopes that she can play against the reigning champion Aces in a WNBA semifinal rematch.

But as Indiana did last season, the franchise will hold Clark out of action if it is deemed the right thing to do. The two-time All-Star played only 13 games in 2025 as she struggled to overcome numerous muscle strains, and White last season said the Fever would not risk its biggest asset just for a few more wins.

"We'll take this opportunity to get her treatment, to get her healthy (and) get her back on the floor," White said. "Long-term health and wellness is the most important thing."

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