The WNBA preseason has barely tipped off, and already injuries are becoming the biggest headline — with none more alarming than the news that Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been listed on the Indiana Fever’s injury report due to a left leg issue. As the Fever prepare for their second preseason game, the league’s brightest rookie sensation is now questionable, casting a shadow over one of the most anticipated debuts in recent history.

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 Clark’s Injury Sends Shockwaves

Clark’s injury, while reported as minor, has left fans stunned and concerned. After lighting up the scoreboard with 21 points in her preseason debut against the Dallas Wings, expectations for her WNBA transition skyrocketed. But with news of discomfort in her left leg, the Fever’s medical staff is being cautious — and rightfully so.

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“We’re not going to rush anything,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said. “Caitlin’s long-term health is the priority.”

The injury reportedly occurred during practice and has been described as not serious, but the Fever are carefully monitoring her workload to avoid any potential aggravation.

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 Will She Miss Her Iowa Homecoming?

The injury couldn’t come at a more emotionally charged time. The Fever are scheduled to play their next preseason game on May 4 against the Brazilian National Team at Carver-Hawkeye Arena — Clark’s college home at the University of Iowa. The return was expected to be a celebration for Iowa fans and a full-circle moment for Clark. Now, her availability is uncertain, leaving fans anxious and hopeful.

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 Other Preseason Injury Concerns

Caitlin Clark isn’t the only one dealing with physical setbacks this preseason. Several teams across the WNBA are already managing injuries to key players:

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Ariel Atkins (Mystics) – hamstring soreness

Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty) – limited minutes due to knee inflammation

Aliyah Boston (Fever) – reportedly dealing with minor ankle discomfort

 

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It’s becoming clear that teams are walking a fine line between preparing their stars for the season and protecting their health amid a tight preseason schedule.

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 Fans React to Injury News

Social media exploded with reactions once Clark’s injury was announced:

“They better not risk her in a preseason game. Sit her if needed!”

“We waited years to see her in the WNBA — take no chances!”

“Her return to Iowa is huge, but her future is even bigger.”

 

With so much media and commercial attention surrounding Clark, every update on her health will be under a microscope.

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 The Bigger Picture

For the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark represents more than just a player — she’s the face of a franchise rebuild. Her impact on ticket sales, media coverage, and team morale is already undeniable. But preseason wins are not worth long-term risk, and the Fever will need to decide whether a symbolic return to Iowa is worth playing her before she’s fully ready.

 What’s Next?

The Fever are expected to release a game-day decision on Clark’s status. Until then, the team continues preparing both with and without her in the game plan. Meanwhile, fans will have to hold their breath — and hope this is nothing more than a short-term scare for a player expected to reshape the league.