Caitlin Clark hadn't even had a full week to enjoy one of the best nights of her career before the injury questions started up again.

Against the Chicago Sky on August 23, she went off for 37 points, 10 assists, and a career-high eight threes as Indiana won the game 113-90.

Five days later, Clark and the Fever are scheduled to face the Connecticut Sun. But before that, her name showed up on the injury report.

Indiana released its status report roughly 24 hours before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Clark was listed as probable with a back injury.

Underdog WNBA reported the news on X, writing, "Caitlin Clark (back) listed probable for Friday."

Clark, however, is expected to play, as she has been managing the same lingering back issue in 30 of 34 games this season, per the Athletics.

Despite that, she's averaging 22.1 points, 8.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field.

It keeps her firmly in the middle of a tight WNBA MVP race alongside Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson, Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, and her own high-scoring teammate Kelsey Mitchell (24.8 PPG).

With only a handful of regular-season games left, time is running short for Clark to cement her MVP case before the league pauses for the FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin.

Beyond that, the Fever have massive team goals on the line. Indiana enters Friday with a 25-14 record, sitting fifth in the WNBA standings. And they're just 3 games behind the second-place Golden State Valkyries.

While the Fever have already clinched a postseason berth, climbing into the top four guarantees home-court advantage. A strong finish could give the franchise its best playoff chances since their last championship back in 2012.

Thankfully, the team comes into Friday with fresh legs. Indiana recently completed a grueling stretch of four away games in just six days, leaving the roster completely exhausted.

After a much-needed break to recharge, Clark and the Fever are heavy favorites before their matchup against the Sun squad.

While Clark is ready to play through her back issues, the Fever received heartbreaking news regarding backup center Damiris Dantas.

Fever lose backup center to knee surgery

Dantas had been sidelined after missing five consecutive games with a serious left knee problem.

The team officially ended any hopes of a return this year, announcing on X that Dantas underwent successful knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

Dantas' injury creates a real challenge for Indiana's frontcourt rotation. In 12 appearances this season, Dantas was averaging 3.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 8 minutes per game.

Her absence leaves Indiana noticeably thin in the paint. Especially with starting forward Aliyah Boston (17.0 points, 8.4 rebounds) also managing a knee issue.

The Fever, however, signed center Michelle Onyiah to their second and final development contract spot. Onyiah will give head coach Stephanie White an option who can absorb backup minutes during the season's closing stretch.

Written by

Md Saife Fida