Caitlin Clark plans to play for the Indiana Fever for the first time in more than two weeks when the Golden State Valkyries pay a visit to Indianapolis on Wednesday afternoon in a battle of 9-9 teams.
Indiana was expected to be closer to the top of the standings, while the expansion Valkyries are among the WNBA’s early season surprises.
Clark, sidelined since June 24, has missed time with separate leg injuries but deemed herself good to go after practicing Tuesday.
“It’s going to be fun to get back out there hopefully and just feel things again,” said Clark, whose goal for minutes Wednesday is in the “upper 20s.”
“I don’t know what the type of minutes I’m going to get will look like, but when I’m out there, compete, play hard. This is going to be a team that’s going to be moving constantly, so just being aware and active, bring energy. It’s obviously hard sitting out and watching for a few weeks, so I’m definitely excited to get back out there.”
Clark was largely idle and hasn’t played since June 24 because of a leg injury that occurred after an awkward fall. She also missed three weeks with a strained quad.
Clark had a season-low six points in her most recent game over 31 minutes.
“I mean, I feel pretty good, but going to try not to overdo it and put myself in a good position moving forward,” she said.
A .500 start has been a victory for Golden State. The first-year franchise finished June on a 7-2 run before dropping its last two games.
The Valkyries lost 90-81 on the road against the Atlanta Dream on Monday. Golden State had 21 turnovers and lost a 68-64 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
“Atlanta did a great job ramping up their physicality and I think we ran our starters a little bit longer than I liked,” coach Natalie Nakase said.
Nakase also mentioned a 24-9 disparity on free-throw attempts, noting, “We just did not get the whistle.”
Golden State has been led by veteran Kayla Thornton. The 10-year pro had 15 points in the loss and has career highs this seasons of 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. She was just chosen for her first WNBA All-Star Game.
Indiana’s .500 start has been somewhat surprising with Clark’s multiple absences.
Given the trio of All-Stars on the roster — Clark is joined by high-scoring guard Kelsey Mitchell and third-year post Aliyah Boston — the Fever was viewed as a playoff contender. Mitchell averages 19.3 points and landed her third consecutive All-Star nod. Boston (16.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game) earned her third straight selection and has carried the offense in stretches without Clark, who also has four 20-plus-point performances.
Indiana comes off a brutal 89-87 loss at home to the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, when the Fever missed their final five shot attempts, including Boston’s jumper with the clock ticking toward zeroes.
“I thought (Boston) had a really good look at the end,” coach Stephanie White said. “Sometimes, it just doesn’t fall your way. So we’re looking more about execution.”
This is the second meeting of these teams this year. Golden State beat Indiana 88-77 on June 19 in San Francisco.
–Field Level Media
