When Caitlin Clark drafted her team as the first-ever captain in WNBA All-Star history, she seemed confident—though with no real strategy in mind. “I’m going on vibes. I’m picking whatever comes to mind. We’re just having fun,” she shared back then. But the Indiana Fever sensation appeared to focus on one common theme: shooting—and lots of it. So as the rosters crumble close to the weekend, can the fans still bank on the strategy? Well, they have a few predictions.

When Clark and Napheesa Collier, the top two vote-getters, drafted their squads for the marquee matchup, hardly anyone saw what things would look just days before tip-off. The rosters picked so carefully were suddenly riddled with absences, thanks to the injury bug that bit not one but multiple players across both teams.

First, it was Rhyne Howard, who was sidelined with a left knee injury and later ruled out for the remainder of July. Shortly after, it was Satou Sabally from Team Caitlin Clark. It wasn’t much of a surprise though. Her four-straight missed games and sighting in a walking boot had already hinted at what was about to come. “Over the past two weeks, I’ve been working around the clock to rehab my body,” she wrote in her update, prioritizing recovery and long-term availability for Phoenix.

But the one to break the most hearts came only on Thursday. “I’m incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-point contest or the All-Star game,” Clark shared via an Indiana Fever post. “I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action, and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win.”

After she had walked off clutching her leg on Tuesday night, the 23-year-old was listed as day-to-day. Stephanie White even noted that the final decision would be up to Clark herself. Given that the guard had recently confirmed her status for the 3-point contest and was hyped for the weekend, the hopes had lingered. But come Thursday, there remained a very different picture of the weekend.

But as they say, the show must go on. And stepping in to ensure that, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert didn’t waste time pulling together the replacements.

First, she tapped Kayla McBride (even before Clark’s withdrawal). Then, just two days before the All-Star Game, she announced Brittney Sykes—who many had called the biggest All-Star snub of the year—and Brionna Jones. All three have had outstanding seasons and, without a doubt, were deserving of the honor. But what have fans got to say with the major changes Team Clark has had to undergo?

Even two devastating blows couldn’t shake loyal Caitlin Clark fans

As aforementioned, when Clark picked her team, she went all in on shooting. She had the opportunity to pick Paige Bueckers too. But opting for a little size advantage, the Fever guard went for Satou Sabally. So now, two key pieces remain missing. But fans aren’t breaking a sweat.

“Oh plz. Sab, A’ja and AB? They’ll be up 20… Kels should surprise everyone and drop 12 dimes on them,” one of them declared outright. So yes, while Clark will be handling her captain duties from the bench, her team will still ensure they put on a show in her absence. They have got Aliyah Boston who is having the best season offensively. Fever’s lead scorer in Kelsey Mitchell and seven-time All-Star A’ja Wilson alongside defending champion Sabrina. So the hopes are still high.

“Sab and A’ja going to have to carry,” penned another spectator. They might as well deliver. Just look at Wilson—second in the WNBA with 22.3 points per game, a three-time MVP, and most recently, she dropped a season-high 37 points with 10 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the year.

And then there’s Saby with her 3-point shooting. After nearly stunning Stephen Curry last year, she has managed to lead the Liberty in all-time 3 points made. Fans are looking at her and making it evident. “Sabrina better go crazy from that 4-point line,” penned one user. But for others, it is still a complete roster.

“They a be fine, they still good. A’ja, Sabrina, and Stewart is enough with Mitchell and Boston,” wrote another fan. Well, Boston has been an anchor for the Fever. She’s averaging 11.7 points in the paint per game, third-best in the league and she’s a top-five rebounder and a top-10 rim protector. So yes, you get offense and defense in one. With Brionna Jones for some strong inside presence too, they can sustain.

“Team CC still better on paper,” declared another user. Apart from the offensive leaders, Clark’s All-Star roster is stacked with rising stars and veteran playmakers. There’s Jackie Young with her two-way presence. Gabby Williams with her versatility. Kayla Thornton with her defense and fresh new talent in Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.

So Team Clark looks more than ready to light up Gainbridge Fieldhouse in front of the Fever faithful. But can they take down a squad like Team Collier’s, one stacked with rebounding machine Angel Reese, lockdown defender Courtney Williams, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, and scorers like Skylar Diggins, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas? According to fans it’s a yes, but what about you?