You know things are getting real when Stephanie White says, “Certainly, we need to have someone who can add value on the defensive end. We’ve gotta have somebody who can navigate and help us get into offense, handle the ball,” she said as Indiana’s backcourt fell apart. First it was Caitlin Clark, then Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham. With options running thin, the team made a move that instantly got fans talking. And she didn’t disappoint!
The Fever’s locker room is feeling the heat, not just from injuries but from a passionate fanbase that’s been lighting up social media with opinions on who should stay and who should go. With an average attendance of 17,000, Fever fans are among the loudest in the WNBA, and their calls for players like Chennedy Carter, who averaged 17.5 points last season, have put extra pressure on the team to deliver without Clark.
This external noise is making it tough for players to focus, especially with roster spots on the line, and it’s no secret that some tough conversations are happening behind closed doors.
No Caitlin Clark? No problem! At least for one night! After losing two back-to-back games without their talisman, they finally found their rhythm to beat the Washington Mystics in front of the 16,000 fans present in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It was a much-needed win given the circumstances, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Caitlin Clark’s teammate, Aari McDonald.
The former number 3 overall pick came ready. Her athleticism stood out and she took command of the offense. In just 27 minutes, she got 7 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. A big-time impact. Her performance helped Fever finally win a game after 3 consecutive losses by taking down the Mystics 85–76. But this raised a question among the fans: Will McDonald stay beyond her current contract? Rachel DeMita also gave her take on this.
Speaking on her YouTube channel, she said, “So many Indiana Fever fans are calling for her to be a long-term signing with the Indiana Fever. But I do want to give her props for going out there, playing as hard as she did, and really making an impact quick.”
In one of our previous articles, we explained that under the WNBA’s hardship exception, Aari McDonald’s stint with the Fever is likely temporary. The team is working with a tight $1.507 million salary cap, with just about $43,000 left to spare, according to Her Hoop Stats. To avoid salary cap penalties, the Indiana Fever need to maintain an 11-player roster. So when players like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham return, it could spell trouble. Why?
Because if Aari keeps performing like this, she’ll likely be considered to stay on the roster. But then the question is, who makes way for her? The obvious choice would be Sydney Colson, especially since Aari took over her minutes late in Tuesday’s game. Colson played 16 minutes and scored 7 points before McDonald stepped in to finish the job.
The other option could be Brianna Turner, as DeMita points out. The seven-year veteran has barely seen the court this season, appearing in only four of seven games and playing less than two minutes in Tuesday’s win. Her impact has been minimal on the court, just 1 point, no made field goals, and only 3 rebounds.
So, it’s still unclear what will happen when Caitlin Clark returns, which brings us back to the big question: When will she be back? Fortunately, Clark herself gave fans an update. Let’s take a look.
Caitlin Clark provides an injury update
The Fever announced on May 26 that Caitlin Clark would be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a left quadriceps strain. Since then, the team has gone 1-2 in her absence.
Clark’s absence has left a noticeable void in the Fever’s offense. She was the engine, averaging 19 points and a league-high 9.3 assists, before the quad injury sidelined her. Without her pace and vision, the team’s fluidity has taken a hit. Kelsey Mitchell’s shooting has cooled, hitting just 29% from beyond the arc, and the offense has looked disjointed at times. The pressure to adapt quickly has weighed heavily, and it’s beginning to show in the team’s cohesion or lack of it.
But ahead of their game against the Chicago Sky, Clark finally gave fans a much-awaited injury update.
Jun 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) talks with an official during a timeout at a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smth- INDIANAPOLIS STAR-Imagn Images
“I think we’re trying not to put an exact date out there because it is kind of a day-by-day thing and seeing how I feel,” Clark said. “With this type of injury, you don’t know if I’ll feel different than the day before and we’ll see. It could be a possibility [to play against Atlanta] but I could also not be able to play in that game too. I’ll be reevaluated this weekend, so I’ll miss this weekend’s game.”
Clark is expected to return in time for the Fever’s clash against the Atlanta Dream, which lines up with the recovery timeline initially shared by the team. Her comeback would be a huge boost for Indiana, especially as they aim to stay in the championship hunt. But will McDonald still be part of the side? Or will someone else make way for her? Stay tuned to find out!
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