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The Indiana Fever ruled Caitlin Clark out of Wednesday’s game against the Portland Fire with a back injury less than two hours before kickoff, marking her first missed game of the season.
Indiana beat the Fire 90-73, but Clark’s late exit raised concerns about his availability for Friday’s matchup against the Golden State Valkyries.
Those concerns were short-lived, as Clark returned to the lineup just two days later.
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Indiana Fever players Sophie Cunningham, Monique Billings, Raven Johnson and Kelsey Mitchell high-five during the first half of a game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on May 22, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Clark was not listed on the Fever’s injury report Thursday and, despite missing practice the day before, returned to score 22 points in Indiana’s 90-82 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year also recorded nine assists, finishing just short of a double-double.
FEVER RECEIVES WARNING FROM LEAGUE OVER CAITLIN CLARK INJURY REPORT
In the third quarter, Clark hit another 3-pointer from well beyond the arc.
Fever center Aliyah Boston finished second in scoring on Friday night with 20 points and 16 rebounds, recording a double-double.
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark reacts after a call during the second half against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on May 22, 2026. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Fever and Valkyries will change venues when they meet again Thursday in San Francisco.
A series of injuries sidelined Clark in 2025, limiting the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader to 13 games in her second WNBA season. Last year’s injury problems included a groin strain followed by an ankle bruise.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark runs down the court during the first half of a WNBA game against the Los Angeles Sparks in Los Angeles on May 13, 2026. (Jae C. Hong/AP)
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Also on Thursday, Clark revealed the cover of her upcoming children’s picture book, “EXTRAordinary! A little EXTRA to achieve BIG dreams.”
The book, scheduled for release in November, is based on Clark’s life, one she says is “like few others.”
