Caitlin Clark’s Latest Setback Could Keep Her Out During All‑Star Weekend
By Doug Feinberg, AP — July 16, 2025
Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark may once again find herself unable to play as the WNBA All‑Star Weekend approaches, having suffered another groin injury late in the team’s win over the Connecticut Sun.
Injury Strikes Late in Boston
During the final minute of the Fever’s 85–77 win on July 15 in Boston, Clark injured her groin. After assisting on the team’s last basket, she limped down the court, clutching her right groin. Teammate Aliyah Boston tried to console her, but Clark then hit her head against the stanchion before heading to the bench visibly distressed, covering her head with a towel and fighting back tears.
Her coach, Stephanie White, noted, “No update. Just felt a little something in her groin,” adding that the team would evaluate her further. With this latest groin issue, Clark now faces uncertainty surrounding her participation in Wednesday’s game versus the New York Liberty and the upcoming All‑Star events, hosted in her home city of Indianapolis.
A Season Marred by Muscle Injuries
The 2025 season hasn’t been kind to Clark in terms of health. Previously, she missed the preseason opener due to tightness in her quad, but bounced back for an exhibition at Iowa. Then, during a May 24 matchup against the New York Liberty, she suffered a left quadriceps strain that cost her five games. Clark returned in mid-June only to re-injure her left groin, leading to another four-game absence that included the Commissioner’s Cup Final. Now, in mid-July, she has sustained a right-groin injury—possibly new, not just a flare-up of the previous one.
This is her fourth significant muscle injury this year. Her coach confirmed that practices were canceled Monday in New York as precaution ahead of the back-to-back schedule.
Potential Clash with All‑Star Weekend Plans
This week is critical: Indiana visits New York for the second game of a back-to-back, followed by the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. Clark is expected to participate in the Three‑Point Contest Friday night and act as a team captain during the All‑Star Game Saturday—and both events are hugely significant, especially since they take place in her hometown.
However, her recent injury casts serious doubt on those plans. If she is not fully cleared, she may not be part of All‑Star activities or the game itself.
Rising Pressure on Fever Teammates
Without Clark, the Fever will have to depend on others to pick up the slack. Kelsey Mitchell, their leading perimeter scorer with 17.8 points per game, will need to command more of the offensive ball and allow other vets like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard to get involved. Moreover, Aliyah Boston should see increased touches in the post.
But replacing Clark’s on-court vision won’t be easy. Her absence means the bench unit needs improved spacing, transition passing, and sharper playmaking. In past absences, such as after her quad injury, the Fever’s fluidity and assist-to-turnover ratio suffered noticeably. Sydney Colson stepped in as temporary starter, but more is needed from the whole roster to preserve cohesion and competitiveness.
Emotional Toll Behind the Scenes
This season marks Clark’s first time dealing with significant injuries—she hadn’t missed a single game during her four-year collegiate career at Iowa or her rookie WNBA season. The repeated stops and starts have taken a mental toll. She’s shared that staying motivated—prepping for games she’d miss—has been “really hard,” especially without the physical ability to contribute at her best. The emotional strain became evident after her latest injury, with her visible frustration and concern.
High Stakes: All‑Star and Playoff Implications
Clark’s absence compromises more than just the Fever’s momentum. It threatens her All‑Star showcase in Indianapolis, a milestone for her and the league. She’s a fan-favorite and serves as one of the two All‑Star captains, alongside Napheesa Collier. Analysts note that the Fever have not only grown as a franchise but also seen ticket prices rise significantly with her presence—underscoring her market impact.
Missing All‑Star weekend events could dampen excitement for fans and affect Clark’s visibility. Remaining sidelined into the playoffs could also hurt Indiana’s momentum. However, cautious rehabilitation could protect her long-term well-being and postseason form.
Final Word
Caitlin Clark’s path forward remains uncertain. Coach White emphasized a “one-step-at-a-time” approach: rest, evaluation, and then reassessment. With the Liberty game and All‑Star events looming, the Fever must decide whether she needs more rest or if she can safely suit up.
One thing’s clear: there’s more than just a game at play. Clark’s health this week could influence her All‑Star weekend participation, her mental resilience, and Indiana’s playoff push.
Expanded Insights & Context
**Injury Timeline So Far:**
Preseason: Initial quad tightness, sat out opener.
May 24 (vs. Liberty): Left quad strain → missed 5 games.
June 24 (vs. Seattle): Left groin injury → missed 4 games including Commissioners Cup Final.
July 15 (vs. Connecticut): New right-groin injury → additional games in doubt.
Mental Toll:
Clark admitted:
> “It’s difficult going to prepare for games, but knowing you’re not going to be playing in them. It’s challenged me mentally… stop and go, stop and go.”
**Fever Without Clark:**
The Fever posted a 5–5 record during her mid-June absence; their assist rate dropped significantly, especially in turnovers vs. assists ratio.
Offensive Gaps:
Aliyah Boston averaged ~18.6 PPG with Clark on the floor, but only ~11.2 without her.
Kelsey Mitchell will need to shoulder more scoring and playmaking.
**All‑Star Stakes:**
Clark earned the most fan votes (1.29M) among guards and leads as captain for one team.
Her participation in the 3‑Point Contest and the game itself is now uncertain due to injury.
Conclusion
Caitlin Clark entered her sophomore season riding high on momentum and fan acclaim. But recurring muscle injuries—including her recent right-groin setback—have interrupted her WNBA arc in key moments. With the Liberty game and a major All‑Star weekend at stake, the Fever will lean on veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell and others if she’s sidelined. Meanwhile, Clark must navigate recovery and mental resilience—setting the tone for her availability during the All‑Star festivities and beyond.
Her next 48 hours will be critical: will she be rested and limited, or ready to take center stage in Indianapolis? Only the medical staff’s evaluations will decide.
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