Caitlin Clark remains 'day to day' as Indiana Fever prioritize big picture on star's health
DALLAS – Caitlin Clark remains "day to day," according to Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White, who said all decisions right now are based on the guard's long-term health.
White said the decision came Friday morning that Clark would miss her second straight game due to a left groin injury. She said her priority is preventing any sort of a setback once Clark does return.
"Anybody who's had some of these types of injuries understands that sometimes it's a process," White said prior to Friday's game. "She's a quick healer, and she's been doing everything she can to get back on the floor. We just want to make sure we're hyper-sensitive to the big picture."
After Friday's game, the Fever next play Tuesday against the Minnesota Lynx in the Commissioner's Cup Championship in Minneapolis. Then they return home to play the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, kicking off a stretch of five home games in 11 days.
Clark, per standard procedure for players with an "out" status, was not available for interviews Friday.
Aari McDonald will start in Clark's place Friday, with Sydney Colson coming off the bench. White said she hopes McDonald's downhill dynamic and defensive energy can help the Fever get off to a better start.
The Fever announced Clark's unavailable status around 2 p.m. Clark also missed Thursday's home loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, having been ruled out early in the day. Earlier this season, she missed five consecutive games with a left quad strain.
These are the first games missed due to injury for Clark in either her collegiate or pro career. For a Fever team expected to contend for a deep playoff run, the priority becomes limiting her absences and helping her back to full strength.
The guard did not appear to be the latter during a recent western road trip. She made 1 of 23 from 3-point range in losses to Golden State and Las Vegas and a victory over Seattle. Similarly, she went 2-for-16 from 3 in the two games prior to her first injury absence.
Friday's game was moved from the Wings' usual home at College Park Center, capacity 7,000, to the 20,000-seat American Airlines Center. White said she felt no pressure related to Clark's status as a major gate attraction on the road.
"I'm sorry for the people who are coming," White said. "I think I feel a disappointment for them, more than anything, because I want them to see her at her best and us at her best.
"I hate that for fans, but at the same time, for us as a team and for Caitlin as a person and player, her health and wellness is the priority."
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