As the 2025 WNBA postseason looms, one of the most pressing questions circling the league is the status of Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. Once the centerpiece of a team that looked poised for a breakout year, Clark has been sidelined since July 15 due to a right groin injury — and more recently, a bruised ankle has further complicated her recovery. With each passing week, the anticipation surrounding her return grows, but so do the concerns.
While there’s growing optimism that Clark could be back on the court soon — reports now indicate she’s participating in full-court drills without pain and may return to practice as early as next week — some analysts believe the timing may no longer favor a high-stakes comeback. Among those voicing concern is respected analyst Ros Gold-Onwude, who suggests that the Fever may need to look beyond the current playoff picture and think more strategically about their future.
There’s no denying Clark’s impact on the game. Her presence on the floor changes the dynamics for Indiana, bringing playmaking, scoring, and leadership. However, the Fever have faced a wave of setbacks in her absence, including injuries to key role players that have left the team shorthanded. Although they’ve managed to stay competitive, maintaining a postseason push without full roster stability has been a challenge.
The question now is whether pushing Clark to return this season — even if medically cleared — is worth the risk. With the team’s depth in question and their playoff odds growing increasingly uncertain, some argue that rushing her back could compromise not just her long-term health but the Fever’s broader rebuilding strategy.
Instead, there’s a growing sentiment that Indiana should take a cautious, future-focused approach. Ensuring Clark returns at 100% — without pressure to carry an injury-depleted roster into the postseason — may better serve both her career and the franchise’s long-term goals.
Still, fans are eager for a spark, and there’s no doubt that Clark’s return would electrify both her team and the league. Whether she suits up again this season or not, her recovery remains one of the biggest storylines in the WNBA.
One thing’s for certain: all eyes will be on Indiana in the coming weeks, as the Fever — and Clark — weigh a difficult but critical decision.