Caitlin Clark’s surprising absence from Wednesday night’s game against the Portland Fire has raised eyebrows around the WNBA
Clark, ruled out shortly before tip-off due to back stiffness, was not present on the Fever’s injury report, nor was it revealed that she didn’t practice on Tuesday. The Fever’s failure to report could result in a reprimand from the WNBA for a violation of league rules.
Even though the Fever blew out the Fire, 90-73, in arguably their best performance of the season to date, much of the conversation around Indiana centers on Clark — and the mystery of her absence.
Load management in year three’? Why Fever’s handling of Caitlin Clark is drawing scrutiny
The Fever have explained that Clark was ruled out due to back stiffness, and Indiana chose not to risk her — especially after the two-time All-Star missed all but 13 games in 2025 amid a wave of soft tissue injuries.
The Fever have explained that Clark was ruled out due to back stiffness, and Indiana chose not to risk her — especially after the two-time All-Star missed all but 13 games in 2025 amid a wave of soft tissue injuries.
But fans aren’t necessarily buying that explanation — at least, not after Clark had a viral confrontation with Fever assistant coach Briann January last Friday.
Was this heated exchange between Caitlin Clark and Briann January something or nothi
