Indiana Fever get concerning Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham update before Aces showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Fever are enjoying a rare stretch of rest thanks to the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup break, but Wednesday’s practice brought another reminder that two of the team’s biggest names remain sidelined.
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Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham were both absent from practice for a second consecutive day as Indiana continued preparing for its return to action against the Las Vegas Aces this weekend. With one of the Fever’s biggest games of the season approaching, all eyes remain on whether either player will be available when Indiana returns to the court.
Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham remain out of practice
According to Forbes Sports’ Tony East, Clark did not participate in Wednesday’s practice as she continues recovering from the back injury she suffered against the Phoenix Mercury on June 24. Cunningham also missed practice for the second straight day because of an illness.
Meanwhile, veteran forward Damiris Dantas was again seen receiving treatment for an undisclosed injury after also doing so Tuesday. The updates come as the Fever continue navigating injuries while trying to build on the momentum from Saturday’s 111-87 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.
Stephanie White provides latest on Caitlin Clark
Head coach Stephanie White said it’s still too early to know whether Clark will be available when Indiana returns from the Commissioner’s Cup break.
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“No indication,” White said when asked about Clark’s timeline. “Obviously it’s a good time because we have all week next week. So we’ll take this opportunity just to get her treatment, get her healthy, get her back on the floor and see what happens.”
Clark hasn’t played since exiting the Fever’s June 24 matchup against Phoenix with the back injury.
Before leaving that game, she was also involved in multiple physical plays with Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who later received a retroactive Flagrant 2 foul and a one-game suspension.
MORE: Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington shares swimsuit photos during injury recovery
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Fever proving they can win without Clark
While Clark’s absence is significant, Indiana showed before the break that it has the depth to compete without its All-Star guard. The Fever rolled past the Sparks behind another outstanding performance from Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 26 points. Aliyah Boston, Tyasha Harris and Monique Billings also delivered strong performances as Indiana improved to 11-8 on the season.
That victory gave Indiana three straight wins heading into the break and further strengthened its position in the WNBA playoff race.
All eyes on Saturday against Las Vegas
The Fever are scheduled to return to action Saturday against the Aces in one of the weekend’s marquee WNBA matchups. The extra days off could prove valuable for both Clark and Cunningham as they continue working their way back.
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For now, however, neither player has returned to practice, leaving their status uncertain with just days remaining before Indiana faces one of the league’s top contenders. The Fever have benefited from the timing of the Commissioner’s Cup break, but fans will be watching closely over the next few days to see if Clark and Cunningham can make enough progress to return against Las Vegas.
