Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a back injury. Fever head coach Stephanie White confirmed Clark's absence and stated there is "no indication" on how long she will be sidelined, offering no timetable for her return.
Clark sustained the injury during Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Mercury. While many speculated the injury was related to an incident where Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas appeared to punch Clark in the throat, Clark actually exited the game later after landing awkwardly while being fouled by Valeriane Ayayi. She left the game with a back injury immediately after this play, which is believed to be the reason for her absence against the Sparks.
Thomas was not called for a foul during the game for the incident involving Clark, but the WNBA later suspended her for one game due to her conduct. This comes after Clark was omitted from the WNBA's 30th-anniversary poster shared on the league's official X account. These events have led to accusations that the league, including officials, coaches, and players, is failing to protect or promote Clark, who has been a prominent figure since entering the WNBA.
Despite the recent incidents, Clark has been performing well on the court. In her last six games, she has led the WNBA in both total points and assists, averaging nearly 26 points per game during that stretch. The league hopes for Clark's swift recovery and a resolution to the concerns surrounding the treatment of its most prominent player.