Caitlin Clark Sidelined Again: Groin Injury Forces Fever Star Out as Shooting Struggles Continue

Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s standout rookie and face of the WNBA’s new wave, is back on the injury list. Just weeks after returning from a nagging quad issue, Clark has now been sidelined with a left groin injury that has fans and analysts once again holding their breath.

Another Setback for the WNBA’s Biggest Star

The Fever announced late Wednesday night that Clark reported discomfort in her left groin following practice. Concerned, the team immediately sent her for an MRI. The results have not been publicly disclosed, but what is clear is that Clark will miss Thursday night’s crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Head coach Stephanie White confirmed the day-to-day nature of Clark’s injury status.
“It’s very much a day-to-day thing. We’re going to see how she responds to treatment,” White told reporters. “She’s tough and she’s a quick healer, so we’ll just have to wait and see.”

For Fever fans who have watched Clark electrify the league with her court vision and deep shooting range, the news is a tough pill to swallow—especially with the team fighting to stay above .500 in the standings.

A Season Marred by Injuries and Inconsistency

Clark’s rookie campaign was billed as one of the most anticipated debuts in WNBA history. Coming off a record-breaking college career at Iowa, expectations for her pro season were sky-high. And while Clark has shown flashes of brilliance—averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game—her first WNBA season has been anything but smooth.

This latest injury comes after she missed five games earlier in the season with a quad strain. And even when on the court, Clark’s performances have been uneven. Most notably, she’s been in the middle of a shooting slump that’s seen her hit just 5 of her last 29 three-point attempts over the past four games.

Her most recent outing against the Seattle Storm was a tough watch for fans. Clark went 0-for-6 from beyond the arc, unable to find her usual rhythm or range.

A Team in Transition: Roster Moves Follow Clark’s Injury

In a move that caught many by surprise, the Fever acted quickly following the announcement of Clark’s groin issue. The team signed point guard Aari McDonald and waived veteran DeWanna Bonner, a former All-Star who had been absent from the team for the last five games due to “personal reasons.”

“We were really excited when DeWanna chose to come here in the offseason,” Fever GM Amber Cox said in a statement. “But as the season progressed, she felt like it wasn’t the right fit for her. We had ongoing conversations, tried different adjustments, but ultimately we couldn’t get it to a place where it felt good for her.”

McDonald’s arrival gives the Fever another option in the backcourt as they look to fill the void left by Clark’s absence.

The Bigger Picture: All-Star Hopes and Fan Concerns

Ironically, all this comes just as the WNBA released its official rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game. Caitlin Clark was named to Team WNBA, joining fellow Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.

For now, Clark remains listed on the All-Star roster, but her participation is suddenly in doubt. With the All-Star Game scheduled for July 20, the clock is ticking on her recovery.

Clark’s injury and recent struggles come at a pivotal time for the league. Her rookie season has been credited with driving major spikes in TV ratings, ticket sales, and social media engagement for the WNBA. Every game she misses is seen as a blow to both the Fever’s playoff chances and the league’s broader momentum.

Shooting Slump Adds to the Pressure

Even before the groin injury, Clark was showing signs of wear and tear. Over her last four games, her shooting percentage from deep plummeted, and her frustration was visible. Despite her scoring average, Clark’s efficiency has dipped, especially from three-point range, where she once dominated during her NCAA days.

For a player known for her logo-range shooting and clutch scoring, the slump is unfamiliar territory.

“She’s been pressing,” said one league analyst. “You can tell she’s trying to force the issue at times, which is understandable given the pressure and the spotlight she’s under.”

What’s Next for Clark and the Fever?

With the Fever sitting at 7-7 on the season, every game matters in the race for playoff positioning. Losing Clark for any extended stretch could severely damage their postseason hopes.

The team is expected to provide daily updates on her condition, but until then, fans are left wondering when—or if—Clark will return to full strength this season.

For Clark herself, this latest challenge is another test of resilience. Known for her competitive fire and refusal to back down, she’ll undoubtedly be working overtime with team trainers to get back on the court.

Whether she makes it back for the All-Star Game remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the WNBA is holding its breath.