After wrapping up a three-game road trip, the Indiana Fever are back home and gearing up to take on the Los Angeles Sparks Thursday night. Riding some momentum from their win over Seattle, Indiana is eyeing an 8–7 record and a shot at a steadier foothold in the Eastern Conference. But just hours before tipoff, the team delivered an update that’s bound to change the tone of the night—one involving Caitlin Clark.

Indiana’s recent journey already had troubling signs. Clark notably struggled around the rim in Seattle—hesitating on drives and missing shots she typically converts. Her 1-of-7 performance from deep on Wednesday marked a significant drop from her usual standards, extending her slump to just 1-for-23 from three over the past three games

Behind the scenes, coach Stephanie White and the training staff began monitoring Clark closely after she quietly reported left groin discomfort following the Seattle win. She was immediately sent for an MRI, though early results showed no definitive strain, prompting a cautious, day-to-day approach. And now, for Clark and Fever fans, the franchise had another development to share. 

The official account of The Underdog WNBA broke the news surrounding Fever’s sophomore player. They took to X (former Twitter) and wrote,  “Caitlin Clark (groin) ruled out Thursday.” IndyStar sports reporter Chloe Peterson, too, confirmed the update via a X (former Twitter) post,

“The Fever just sent out an updated status report that Caitlin Clark is OUT with a left groin injury. The Fever will be down to nine available players tonight against the Sparks.“, she shared. According to Peterson, the roster shake-up confirms the team’s already depleted rotation, now reduced to nine active players due to Clark’s absence, as well as previous injuries affecting Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Damiris Dantas.

With Clark sidelined and the Fever down to just nine available players, Indiana will now lean heavily on its recent roster addition, one that brings both familiarity and a much-needed spark.

Aari McDonald rejoins Indiana Fever

“I’m so excited to rejoin the Fever. Although my time with the team was brief, it immediately felt like the place to be,“ Aari McDonald said about her newest re-signing. “I’m grateful for the warm welcome from the coaches, teammates, and fans, and most of all, I thank God for the incredible journey I’m on.”

While the Indiana Fever re-signed McDonald, her entrance was not as glorious as expected. It came at a heartbreaking cost, marked by DeWanna Bonner’s exit. While DB did not have impressive statistics within the roster, she had an undeniably formidable presence in the paint. The veteran provided the much-needed front-court depth to an otherwise struggling team.

Moreover, head coach Stephanie White was impressed with McDonald’s spectacular run with the Fever. She was signed under a hardship emergency contract after Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham were sidelined and joined Clark on the bench. Needless to say, Aari’s energetic presence clinched 2 out of 3 victories. 

Unfortunately, her replacement contract was terminated as Clark and Cunningham joined the active roster. And as McDonald gears up for her first official showdown against the Sparks, can the potential star turn the tables for Indiana Fever?