The spotlight was set, the stage ready—but Caitlin Clark won’t be stepping on it. As the WNBA shifts into preseason gear, the Indiana Fever hit a speed bump. Their 2024 ROTY has been ruled out of the 2025 opener against the Mystics. And now, with tipoff underway, her absence echoes louder than expected.

In a surprising turn, just a day ago, Clark’s availability spiraled into doubt after the Fever listed her as “Questionable (Left Leg).” Then came her own words: “Just a little tightness,” she told reporters, adding, “I’ll go through warmups and everything, and then they’ll decide if I’m gonna go or not. But it will be the medical team’s decision.” 

Meanwhile, Stephanie White didn’t say it outright, but the writing was on the wall. The Fever’s head coach danced around Caitlin Clark’s status with careful words. Still, her tone hinted at the bigger picture. So, sitting Clark out on Saturday? It suddenly made perfect sense.

Talking about defense, many experts have pointed out how the Los Angeles Lakers have relied solely on their offense. Even the biggest names like Luka Doncic have fumbled on the defensive end. Therefore, the fans are comparing the Fever to the Lakers, suggesting they rely heavily on their star player (Caitlin Clark) for offense, lack solid defense, and might avoid facing top teams like the Aces, Liberty, and Lynx in the playoffs out of fear or weakness.

However, with the ongoing WNBA preseason game against the Mystics, the Indiana Fever are fumbling. Is this an effect of the 23-year-old superstar’s absence or a mere coincidence? Because whatever this is, the fans aren’t happy. Like the Lakers’ recent playoff heartbreak, the Fever are struggling against Washington.

The Indian Fever face the fans’ wrath in Caitlin Clark’s absence

“Indiana Fever giving me too much stress,” one of the fans tweeted on X. It looks like, in Caitlin’s injury, the team has lost its rhythm. The supporters were excited for the preseason with rookie head coach Stephanie White at the helm and fresh firepower like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard. The energy felt unreal, but the first game was enough to disappoint the die-hards.

Meanwhile, another fan didn’t mince words, and said: “The Indiana Fever without Caitlin Clark….” The 2024 ROTY has been the true powerhouse of the franchise. One could call her the face of the league, a true gem whom everyone reveres. She played all forty games last season and ended with an average of 19.2 ppg. When she’s on the court, the fans and the Fever breathe in relief, but without her? Panic!