The Indiana Fever are on a two-game winning streak, winning six of their last 10 games and sitting in sixth place in the standings.
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WNBA Standings: Why the Indiana Fever Shouldn’t Rush Caitlin Clark’s Return
As the WNBA season heads into its final stretch, the Indiana Fever are finally finding their rhythm — and that might be the exact reason they shouldn’t rush Caitlin Clark back into the lineup.
Currently sitting at 14–12 and riding a two-game winning streak, the Fever have won six of their last 10 games. That places them sixth in the league standings, well within the playoff picture with only 18 games remaining in the regular season. And perhaps most impressively, they’re doing this largely without their star rookie.
Clark’s Status: No Set Timetable
Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year and one of the most talked-about players in all of basketball, remains out with a lingering groin injury — an issue she picked up after aggravating a previous quad injury earlier in the season.
In a recent team statement, the Fever provided an update:
“Caitlin Clark underwent further medical evaluations earlier this week, which confirmed that no additional injuries or damage were discovered. Clark will continue working with the medical team on her recovery and rehabilitation, with the priority on her long-term health and well-being. There is no timetable available for her return.”
While August 12 is listed as a possible return date by ESPN, the team’s cautious approach suggests they’re prioritizing Clark’s long-term health — a smart move, especially given how her rushed return last time led to more setbacks.
Holding Their Own Without Her
Despite being 6–7 in games without Clark, the Fever aren’t falling apart. In fact, they’re improving. Their recent surge proves that the team is learning how to adapt and win, even without their headline superstar.
One major reason? Kelsey Mitchell.
Mitchell Steps Up in a Big Way
In Sunday’s 93–78 win over the Chicago Sky, Mitchell delivered one of the most impressive individual performances in franchise history:
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35 points
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12-of-19 shooting
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7-of-10 from three-point range
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4-for-4 from the line
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6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds
That stat line puts her in elite company. She joins Caitlin Clark as the only two players in Fever history to score 35+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ three-pointers in a single game.
Currently, Mitchell is third in the WNBA in scoring, averaging 20.2 PPG, and she’s only one three-pointer behind league leader Kelsey Plum. Simply put: she’s playing like an All-Star.
Offense Still Thriving
Even without Clark, the Fever boast the fourth-best offense in the league, averaging 84.4 points per game. While Clark has undoubtedly added a dynamic playmaking element to the team this season, Indiana is proving that they can generate offense and compete without her.
That means the Fever can be strategic with her recovery — letting Clark rehab properly without rushing her back for the sake of a single game or short-term gain.
Playoffs Within Reach — But Not at All Costs
With the top eight teams making the playoffs, the Fever are in a strong position. But postseason hopes shouldn’t come at the expense of Caitlin Clark’s long-term health or career.
The reality is: Indiana is learning to win as a team. And when Clark does return — whether it’s August 12 or later — she’ll be rejoining a roster that’s confident, cohesive, and battle-tested.
Final Thoughts
The Indiana Fever are proving they’re more than just the Caitlin Clark show. With Kelsey Mitchell leading the charge, a deepening roster, and a playoff push gaining momentum, the team has every reason to stay the course — and let Clark return only when fully healthy.
Yes, she’s the face of the franchise. But in 2025, the Fever are showing they’re a team with multiple stars, and that might just be what carries them to their first playoff berth in years.
No need to rush. The Fever are heating up — even without her.
