Is Caitlin Clark’s absence from Fever’s preseason opener vs. Mystics a smart move or a risky decision? | – The Times of India

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, center, walks to the court before an exhibition women’s basketball game against Brazil, Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

For the first time in six years, Caitlin Clark missed a game. The Indiana Fever star sat out Saturday’s 79–74 preseason overtime win over the Washington Mystics due to a left leg issue described as “just a little tightness.” Clark had been listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report and took part in her usual morning routine and pregame warmups, but the decision to sit her was made shortly before tip-off.

Fever head coach Stephanie White emphasized the choice was precautionary. “We have to make sure we’re not putting Caitlin at risk for injury,” she said. “It’s a long season, four more games than last year , and we’re thinking long term, not short term.” White added that Clark’s health remains the priority, especially with back-to-back games scheduled to start the preseason.

Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, has been remarkably durable. She played every game for the Fever in her rookie season and never missed a contest during her four-year collegiate career at Iowa, including all preseason games. Saturday marked her first absence from any game since 2019.
Although she didn’t take the floor, Clark stayed engaged from the bench, standing to cheer on teammates during the game. At one point, after Sophie Cunningham forced a turnover, Clark leapt to celebrate, prompting teammate Aliyah Boston to pull her back to avoid a possible technical.

The Fever’s next preseason game is set for Sunday against the Brazilian national team, a fixture with special significance for Clark. It will take place at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, home to her alma mater. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET, though it remains unclear if Clark will play.
After securing their first playoff berth in eight seasons last year, Indiana has built around Clark by adding experienced talent. The team signed veteran guards Sydney Colson and DeWanna Bonner, brought in forward Natasha Howard, and traded for Sophie Cunningham.
“They know what it takes to win,” Clark said earlier this year. “It’s exactly what we needed in our locker room.”
Cunningham led the way in Saturday’s win, finishing with 21 points and eight rebounds, and had a heated moment with Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen after a physical rebound battle.
As the Fever prepare for the regular season, all eyes remain on Clark’s status — and on her return to the court, possibly in front of a homecoming crowd in Iowa.