“It’s just the nature of the beast of where we are. So, I think our mental acuity has to be high.” The Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has her eyes on the prize from the moment the team stepped into the 2025 regular season games. Despite an array of setbacks in injuries and losses, the Fever had a raging 74-59 Commissioner’s Cup win against the Minnesota Lynx. With Caitlin Clark resuming her professional duties, will the team retain its dominant stance?

After all, facing the newly expanded team on the block isn’t as easy as it seems. As the 4th standing in team in the Western Conference standings, the Golden State Valkyries have cemented their position as one of the strongest franchises in the league. Moreover, as Clark’s teammate, Damiris Dantas returns to the Fever after an impressive AmeriCup appearance, the roster is ready to battle it out against the evenly matched Valkyries.

However, Indystar sports journalist, Chloe Peterson gave a latest update just two hours before Indiana Fever locks horns with the Golden State Valkyries on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena. Peterson shared a clip on X (former Twitter) with a caption, “Damiris Dantas is back after her absence for AmeriCup, and she seems to be wearing CC’s Kobe PEs. Steph White has said she may not play today in aim to get her some rest after Brazil’s run.”

The clip features Damiris Dantas, donning the recently launched Nike’s Caitlin Clark Kobe PE shoes. She was seen exercising with other Fever teammates ahead of the match. But while the Fever was happy on Damiris’ return, the HC was adamant on ensuring that the veteran forward receives ample rest. “She needs some rest. I’m not sure when she’ll be available,” HC White said.

While the six-feet-four athlete averaged 5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in the Fever, she had an impressive 2025 AmeriCup performance. Representing the Brazil national team, Dantas was a standout player who bolstered the team with an average of 21.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Having said that, the athlete secured a tournament-high of 35 points. Despite her efforts, Brazil lost to Team USA in the AmeriCup finals. While Dantas stays benched against the Valkyries, it will be exciting to watch the 2025 W All-Star captain rejoining the active roster. Again.

Good news for Caitlin Clark ahead of the Valkyries showdown

As Caitlin Clark marks her successful return on the the hardwood against the Golden State Valkyries, head coach Stephanie White has surprises up her sleeve for the sophomore star. Sidelined for the second time owing to a left groin injury, neither the HC nor the franchise had provided exact details of Clark’s injury or a set timeline of her return.

Moreover, Clark has often emphasised on prioritising her health. When she was sidelined for the first time this season after a left quad sprain, Clark had clarified how she is against the minutes restriction rule. Instead, she would prefer returning healthy on the hardwood. And guess what? Stephanie White is completely aware of the fact.

So, this time again, Clark would be stepping in the paint without any restriction levied on her playing time. Indystar reporter, Chloe Peterson confirmed the news just minutes before the game. She broke the news surrounding Clark on X with caption, “Stephanie White says Caitlin Clark will not necessarily have a minutes restriction today. They are hoping to play her in shorter bursts of about 3-4 minutes.”

While the Fever is trying to refrain from using the restriction, they need to ensure that Clark stays fresh without tiring herself early in the game. That is why the team has decided to let Clark play in shorter bursts instead of her usual 12 minute long stretches. As a key player for the roster, Clark’s presence is necessary throughout.

While the team has their dominant force back in the active roster after missing nearly five games, can Clark make a similar comeback? Or will she exceed expectations this time? That remains to be seen. With a 9-9 stat score, it will be exciting as the two evenly matched teams from the Eastern Conference division and the Western Conference division clash at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena today.