The air was heavy at Indiana Fever’s closed-door practice this morning — and not just because of the July humidity. Star rookie Caitlin Clark was nowhere to be seen on the court. The reason? A lingering groin injury that has now forced her to miss yet another crucial training session, just days ahead of one of the biggest matchups of the WNBA season.

For fans, it’s more than a concern. It’s a full-blown panic.

Clark, who has become the face of the Fever and arguably the entire WNBA since her electric debut earlier this year, has been nursing the injury since last Saturday’s game — where she was seen wincing in pain before gingerly exiting the court late in the fourth quarter. While she managed to walk off under her own power, observers immediately sensed something wasn’t right.

And now, with the team refusing to issue a concrete update, rumors are spiraling.

A Deafening Silence

Officially, the Fever are calling it “day-to-day management,” but insiders suggest the team is keeping their cards close to the chest — perhaps too close.

“She was in obvious discomfort,” said one reporter who attended the game in which Clark was injured. “And the fact that she hasn’t been back on the practice floor isn’t a great sign. Groin injuries are tricky — you can’t rush them.”

When asked about her status today, head coach Stephanie White gave a vague, carefully measured answer.

“She’s progressing,” White said. “We’re monitoring her closely and will make the right decision for her health. We’re hopeful, but we won’t jeopardize her long-term well-being.”

Translation: She’s in doubt for the next game. And that’s not something Fever fans — or the league — want to hear.

Social Media Erupts

As news of her missed practice broke, “Caitlin Clark” began trending on X within the hour. Fans flooded the platform with concern, speculation, and even some frustration.

“What’s going on with Caitlin? Why won’t the team just be honest?” one fan wrote.

Another posted a clip of her walking off the court after the injury, zooming in on her limp and commenting, “She’s not okay. Don’t rush her back.”

A blurry photo from outside the Fever’s facility — allegedly showing Clark arriving in flip-flops and without practice gear — only fueled more rumors.

“Flip-flops mean no practice. No practice means no game,” one user commented.

Even opposing teams are reportedly adjusting their game plans — just in case.

A Must-Win Moment

The timing couldn’t be worse. The Fever are set to face the New York Liberty in a nationally televised showdown this Friday — a game hyped as a defining moment of the season, especially with Clark set to face off against fellow superstar Sabrina Ionescu.

Tickets sold out weeks ago. ESPN promo spots are already running. And fans around the country were eagerly anticipating a Caitlin vs. Sabrina duel that now hangs in jeopardy.

“If she can’t play, it changes everything,” said WNBA analyst Renee Montgomery. “The Fever rely on her leadership, her scoring, her energy. This team without her is just… not the same.”

Clark has averaged 21.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, but her impact goes beyond the stats. She’s the emotional engine of the squad — the spark that sets the whole thing ablaze.

And with the Fever just two games out of a playoff spot, this upcoming matchup is more than a headline. It’s a must-win.

Pushing Through Pain?

Some sources close to the team say Clark has been doing light shooting on the sidelines and undergoing intense rehab sessions twice a day. One teammate — who asked not to be named — hinted that Caitlin is “desperate” to suit up for the Liberty game.

“She’s tough. She wants to be out there,” the player said. “But at some point, the trainers will have to protect her from herself.”

Groin injuries are notoriously unpredictable. Pushing too soon can lead to long-term damage, including partial tears and chronic strain. For a player like Clark, whose game relies on explosive movement, sharp cuts, and deep shooting off the dribble, even a minor limitation could severely impact her performance — or worse, lead to a more serious injury.

Fans, too, are divided.

“I’d rather her miss a game than the rest of the season,” one supporter wrote.

But others are pleading for her return: “This game is massive. If she can walk, she needs to play.”

What’s Next?

As of now, no official decision has been made regarding Clark’s availability for Friday’s clash. The team is expected to update the injury report within the next 24 hours, but insiders say the final call may not come until minutes before tip-off.

In the meantime, her absence is sending shockwaves across the WNBA — not just because of what it means for the Fever, but because it underscores how fragile the league’s momentum feels with so much riding on one player.

Caitlin Clark has carried the weight of expectations, ticket sales, TV ratings, and a new generation of fans on her back since day one. And now, she may be forced to watch the season’s biggest game from the bench.

For someone who’s never backed down from a challenge, it’s a bitter pill.

But if there’s one thing fans know about Caitlin Clark — it’s that she’s not out until she says she’s out.

So all eyes are on Friday. Will #22 run out of the tunnel to a deafening roar? Or will the Fever have to face their biggest test yet without their brightest star?

One thing is clear: the clock is ticking — and everyone’s holding their breath.