Caitlin Clark Returns vs Sparks as Fever juggle Injuries

Caitlin Clark to Play vs Los Angeles

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White confirmed to reporters just hours before tip‑off at Crypto.com Arena that three‑time All‑Star guard Caitlin Clark will be active against the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night. The news follows Clark’s absence from the past two games, her most recent sidelining being a back injury first noted in early May. While Clark steps onto the court, four‑time All‑Star center Aliyah Boston is out with a right lower‑leg injury.

Boston to Return Thursday, Clark to Sit

White indicated the roles will be reversed the next night, keeping Clark out of Thursday’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury while Boston is set to be back in the lineup. This swap marks the Fever’s final regular‑season meeting with the Mercury. The coaching staff’s decision reflects a careful balance of keeping both players fresh for the stretch run.

Thomas Incident Sparks Debate

During a June 24 loss to the Mercury, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was seen pushing on Clark’s throat while Clark was off‑balance. The play went uncalled at the time and was not reviewed by officials. Thomas was later assessed a flagrant‑2 foul for reckless contact and suspended for one game. Over a week later, Clark told reporters she believes the play should have been flagged and added, “the league’s just got to do better protecting our players.”

Technical Fouls Mount in Earlier Scuffle

Two nights before the Thomas episode, Clark was involved in a heated exchange with former Fever teammate DeWanna Bonner during a win over the Mercury. The altercation resulted in six technical fouls and the ejection of Fever forward Myisha Hines‑Allen. Clark already carries five technicals this season, leaving her only three away from an automatic one‑game suspension.

Back Injury Timeline and League Warning

Clark’s back problem first surfaced in May, when she was listed as a late scratch before a game against Portland. That initial omission prompted the WNBA to issue Indiana a warning about how injuries are reported. Since then, Clark has been a regular on the injury report, often marked as probable, and the Fever have taken a cautious approach after multiple soft‑tissue issues limited her to 13 games last year.

All‑Star Nod and Shooting Stretch

Last week saw Clark named a starter for this year’s All‑Star Game, capping a season in which she has appeared in 17 of Indiana’s 20 games. Over her last eight outings, Clark has shot 36.7% from three‑point range, hitting three or more threes in five of those contests. Her recent play has helped keep the Fever competitive in the tight Western Conference.

Stat Line Ranks Among W’s Best

Clark averages 21.2 points per game, placing her fourth in the W this season, and 8.2 assists per game, second overall. Her ability to both score and set up teammates remains a cornerstone of the Fever’s offense, even as the coaching staff monitors her durability closely. These numbers also highlight her impact as the team looks to stay in playoff contention.