During her four years at the University of Iowa and her one season with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark had never missed a game. That streak is about to come to an end.
ESPN reports that the Indiana Fever announced on Monday that Clark will be out of the lineup for at least two weeks due to a left quad strain. Clark missed Indiana's preseason opener with an undisclosed leg injury but played in Iowa City as the Fever topped the Brazilian National Team. The Fever did not say whether Clark's injury is an aggravation of a previous injury or a new one, according to ESPN.
What Games Will Caitlin Clark Miss?
With Clark out for two weeks, it appears she will miss at least four Fever games, according to ESPN. Clark won't play at the Washington Mystics, at home against the Connecticut Sun and Mystics, and at the Chicago Sky. Clark will be reexamined on June 9th, but there is no guarantee she'll return by that date.
What Does This Mean for the Indiana Fever?
The Fever sit at 2-2, but their two losses are by a combined seven points. ESPN reports that while there is no good time to be without Caitlin Clark, this could be it. The Fever should be favored in seven of their next eight games even without Clark in the lineup. This will give Indiana a chance to find out what it is like to play without Clark in the lineup and get some of their new players more comfortable in the offense.
What Does This Mean for Caitlin Clark's Season?
Clark entered the year as a favorite for WNBA MVP. She hasn't disappointed, leading the Fever in scoring at 19 points per game, and leading the WNBA in assists per game at 9.3 according to ESPN. Medical experts say that quad experts can linger, so it's important that Caitlin doesn't try to come back too soon. If the Fever want to remain a playoff and title contender, they'll need a healthy Caitlin Clark down the stretch, not in May.