Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever coach provides major update on injury return

Caitlin Clark could make her latest return from injury in Tuesday's WNBA Commissioner's Cup Final, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White has revealed.

Hours out from their showdown with the Minnesota Lynx, White told reporters that Clark will be a 'game-time decision' as Indiana's medical staff weigh up whether she'll be fit enough to play at Target Center.

The Fever sensation has been dealing with a left groin issue over the past week, having already missed five games earlier in the season due to a quad injury.

And White is unsure if her star player will be ready in time for their final against Minnesota.

'Yeah, I think she'll be a game-time decision,' the head coach said as Clark practiced on court with her teammates Tuesday afternoon.

'I think the most important thing for us is big picture. There's no sense in rushing anything, so we'll get her evaluated by the training staff and go from there.' 

Clark received a huge honor this week as she was named a WNBA All-Star Game captain, but her peers evidently don't hold her in the same esteem.

The 23-year-old and Lynx star Napheesa Collier received the most votes from fans for the All-Star Game, with the pair set to draft their teams ahead of the contest on July 19.

But it was revealed on Monday that Clark received just the ninth-most votes among guards in the player vote, with the likes of Allisha Gray, Sabrina Ionescu and rookie Paige Bueckers ahead of her.

The former Iowa hero did place third in the media vote, though fans and media alike slammed her poor showing in the player vote.

'Absolutely PURE JEALOUSY that ⁦@WNBA⁩ players voted Caitlin Clark the 9th best guard,' ESPN commentator Dick Vitale said on X.

'Some day they will realize what she Has done for ALL of the players in the WNBA . Charted planes - increase in salaries-sold out crowds - improved TV Ratings.'

Conservative commentator Jason Whitlock added: 'Yeah, they hate Cait.' 

Despite the outrage, Clark's numbers have largely worsened from her record-breaking Rookie of the Year campaign in 2024, with her points dropping from 19.2 to 18.2 per contest, and her three-point percentage going from 34.4 to 29.5.

She is also coughing up 5.9 turnovers per game (slightly more than last year), though her assists have ticked up from 8.4 to 8.9.