When Caitlin Clark went to the bench holding her groin against the Connecticut Sun, the entire Indiana Fever fanbase held their collective breaths. Despite fearing the worst, they all hoped for a minor tweak or even a nasty cramp. With each passing day, fans were desperate for an update regarding their favorite superstar. However, when after a wait of 9 days an update finally came, it wasn’t one that gave fans some comfort. Rather, if anything, it irked them even more. Although the update did say that she did not suffer any more injuries, there was no mention of a timeline for her return to play.

But this isn’t the first time the fans have been upset with the Indiana organisation for their handling of Caitlin Clark’s injury. Fans and experts have called out the Indiana Fever multiple times for their mishandling of Caitlin Clark’s injury. In fact, even Fever head coach Stephanie White has admitted to mishandling CC’s return to injury. And now, with another shocking Caitlin Clark report coming out, WNBA insider Ros Gold-Onwude has questioned if the fans can even trust the Indiana Fever. 

Recently, a shocking report came out disclosing that Caitlin Clark suffered a very mild bone bruise in her ankle during a workout on August 7. Though the report said that the injury would not affect her timetable for return from the groin injury, it has made fans curious as to why this injury was concealed until now. Talking about the same on her Good Follow podcast, Ros said, “It doesn’t seem transparent. We’re getting different cues from everyone, from websites, from media, from reporters, from the franchise themselves.”

Ros’ words follow the sentiments of countless basketball fans around the world. At one time, it seemed like Caitlin Clark was nearing her return. But head coach Stephanie White calmed the hyped train down, saying that CC is just working out on court and not practising with her teammates. And now, with this report, one can’t help but wonder if there’s something deeper going on. Continuing on the podcast, Ros Gold-Onwide questioned the motivations for concealing this report till now. 

She said, “Apparently, this ankle bone bruise happened on August 7th. It didn’t break until August 20th. Why didn’t anyone say anything? Why was it a secret? How can we trust anyone? Why the lack of transparency here? Like what is the motivation? So it is very mysterious.” Ros raises some very important questions for the Indiana Fever. Questions that every die-hard Caitlin Clark fan is also asking. And questions that head coach Stephanie White will surely be asked during her pre-game media availability as the Indiana Fever prepares to take on the league leaders, the Minnesota Lynx. 

Face-off Between MVP Contenders Looms as Questions about Caitlin Clark’s Availability Rise

The next steps in the Indiana Fever’s mission to make the playoffs are against league leaders and heavy favorites for the title, the Minnesota Lynx. It may seem like the Lynx might take it easy, seeing as they are already qualified for the playoffs, but there is a lingering history between the two teams that will continue to make this a spicy affair. 

Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeves has long been accused by the Indiana Fever fans of being the main reason why Caitlin was not a part of Team USA (she is also Team USA head coach). Not only that, the Indiana Fever shocked the basketball world by beating the Lynx in the Commissioner’s Cup final. If these weren’t reason enough to make things interesting, this game is also a potential matchup between two main contenders for the 2025 MVP. 

Neither Kelsey Mitchell nor Napheesa Collier was the favorite when it came to being the 2025 MVP. While Napheesa was still in the running, Kelsey’s name was much further back. However, with their performances this year, they are now two of the top four contenders for the award. Owing to her incredible performances and team success, Napheesa Collier is currently the favorite for the 2025 WNBA award (-225 odds). 

Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell’s record-breaking year and her ability to keep the Fever afloat amid Caitlin Clark’s injuries have also put her in the running. As of now, she has the fourth-best odds (+2000) to win the award. Amid concerns that Caitlin Clark might not return this year, Kelsey would have 9 more opportunities to put down her marker as the MVP. 

Although Napheese Collier is listed as a ‘Game Time Decision’ right now, per the WNBA’s website, she is expected to be back for the team’s matchup. Whether the Lynx get their long-awaited revenge or will Kelsey have another monster game and make her MVP case stronger? We’ll find out in just a few hours.