Fever Coach Stephanie White Expresses Uncertainty About Player on Temporary Leave
The Indiana Fever were shorthanded in their last game as they fell to the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, 89-87.
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Caitlin Clark sat out for a fifth straight game due to a lingering groin injury, and there's no denying that the Fever felt her absence against L.A.
Also out of the picture for Saturday's game was Damiris Dantas, who was with the Brazil National Team in Santiago, Chile, for the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup.
The tournament ended on Sunday, with Brazil suffering a heartbreaking 92-84 loss to the United States. Despite Dantas' 35-point explosion, Brazil still came up short against the Americans, who finished the tournament as undefeated champions.
Dantas is now on her way back to rejoin the team after missing Indiana's last five games. This is a welcome development for the Fever, who are back in action on Wednesday against the Golden State Valkyries.
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At this point, however, head coach Stephanie White remains uncertain as to when Dantas will be able to return to action.
'She was incredible, right?' White said on Monday, via Fieldhouse Files with Scott Agness. 'She needs some rest. I'm not sure when she'll be available."
White hinted here that the Fever may opt to hold Dantas out upon her return. This is after the 32-year-old veteran played seven games in 10 days for Brazil, averaging 28.6 minutes per contest.
As such, Dantas' status for the Valkyries game appears to be in doubt.
Damiris Dantas of the Indiana Fever shoots the ball against the Seattle Storm. Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
White, however, expressed optimism about Dantas' return, especially given its timing in relation to Clark's injury comeback.
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"Hopefully, knock on wood, when DD gets back and she is available, this will be the first time that our full roster has been available," said White.
'And so for us reintegrating Caitlin, if we don't have any setbacks, and reintegrating DD. It changes what our rotation looks like, it changes what our lineup looks like.
"It does give us a little bit more versatility. It's going to be a challenge, but also something that's necessary for us heading into this All-Star break.'
Unfortunately, the Fever have yet to provide a firm timetable on Clark's return from injury. Based on White's comments, though, it seems that the 23-year-old is inching closer to her highly anticipated return to the court.
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It is also worth noting that Clark participated in her first live 5-on-5 scrimmage with the team during Monday's practice since suffering the groin injury in late June. This is a significant step in the right direction for the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Related: Indiana Fever on Temporary Leave Suffers Painful Blow on Sunday
Related: Fan Receives Unexpected Favor From Caitlin Clark on Monday
Related: Indiana Fever Player Makes Painful Admission Amid Temporary Leave
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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