INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 14: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 in the second half of play during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Dallas Wings and the against the Indiana Fever on August 14, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire WNBA: AUG 14 Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon081426036
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 14: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 in the second half of play during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Dallas Wings and the against the Indiana Fever on August 14, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire WNBA: AUG 14 Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon081426036
Ignoring all eyes trailing the September 4 Team USA Vs. China FIBA 2026 matchup, CBS Sports forgot to put Caitlin Clark in the starting lineup. And fans weren’t happy.
“CBS Sports is predicting Team USA’s starting 5 for their World Cup opener vs China,” WNBA analyst E Jay Arrow announced on X on September 1, 2026. “Chelsea Gray (PG), Jackie Young (SG), Napheesa Collier (SF), Breanna Stewart (PF), Aliyah Boston (C).”
This sort of lineup wasn't surprising in March’s qualifiers, when Team USA HC Kara Lawson changed it in every game to figure out the players’ compatibility and chemistry.
However, stories will unfold differently in Berlin. Against the tall but slow-paced China, benching the guard leading the WNBA in assists (8.4) and ranking third in scoring (22.5 PPG), a player renowned for fast-paced transition offense and pick-and-roll play will be troublesome.
And that’s what fans collectively agreed on.
Fans erupted at the lineup prediction
Out of 5 qualifier games in March, Clark started only against New Zealand on March 15, scoring 14 points and 6 assists. She returned as the MVP with 11.6 PPG (ranked 4th) and 6.4 assists (ranked 1st). Fans concluded it’ll just be foolish to have her come off the bench.
“Starting anyone ahead of Caitlin Clark is criminally insane. There is nobody on the team who can do what she does, and nobody on any other team who can stop her,” wrote one. Another added, “If they don’t start CC, they are dumb.”
Some fans particularly had problems with Gray starting. The 12-season, 33-year-old veteran is averaging 12.0 PPG and 6.8 assists this season and surely has tricks up her sleeve. But fans said she’ll slow down the team, unlike Clark.
“China is big and slow and will not be able to handle the pace Clark likes to play. Playing slow with Gray gives the taller China team an unnecessary big advantage. Plus, CC is playing better than anyone on the roster right now,” one wrote.
Another added, “No way Gray should play at all. This team definitely needs the explosive offensive creativity of Clark if they are going to win!”
This event marks Clark’s first-ever senior international debut. Per the Fever Team Store’s recent X post, her USA basketball jerseys have already been sold out. This is the same player who revolutionized the W with record audiences, soaring ticket sales and popularity of women’s basketball.
Hence, fans are ready to pull out the television jacks if Clark doesn’t get long minutes.
“If CC gets limited minutes, I will stop watching immediately,” stated one.
But let’s not forget, this is still a lineup prediction, and Clark was still the qualifiers' MVP.
What do you think Lawson’s starting lineup will look like? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy