Caitlin Clark's name is once again on Indiana's injury report ahead of a pivotal matchup, but the designation isn't new territory for the Fever star.

“Caitlin Clark (back) listed probable for Sunday,” stated the caption of the Underdog WNBA X post.

Indiana has listed Clark as probable with a back injury ahead of Sunday's 4 p.m. ET tip-off against the Washington Mystics. It's a designation that's followed her for much of the season, with back soreness appearing on the report repeatedly even as she's continued to take the floor.

Clark's probable status, as per the Underdog WNBA X post, isn't new. She hasn't missed a game since July 9 and has been a steady presence in the lineup throughout the stretch run.

The back problem has been a season-long thread for Clark, flaring up at various points, including a midseason incident that pulled her from a June game against Phoenix. Still, she's largely avoided extended absences in 2026, a notable turnaround after an injury-riddled 2025 that limited her to just 13 appearances.

Her availability carries real weight for a Fever team fighting for playoff seeding. Indiana sits at 27-14 and remains in contention for home-court advantage in the first round. Clark continues to lead the league in assists at 8.5 per game while averaging 22.6 points and 3.9 rebounds, with her playmaking serving as the engine behind an offense that also features Kelsey Mitchell's historic scoring season.

Fever coach Stephanie White has consistently emphasized managing Clark's long-term health throughout these episodes, and the probable tag suggests the staff is comfortable with her workload heading into Sunday while still keeping an eye on the issue. 

Backup center Damiris Dantas remains out for the season with a knee injury, but Clark's status remains the primary storyline heading into the matchup.

Fever insider comments on Clark's performance this season despite injury concerns

Caitlin Clark's 2026 season has been more impressive than most realize, according to Fever beat reporter Tony East, who believes she's played at an elite level for months despite a lingering back injury and a rough start.

Speaking on the WNBA Today podcast, as posted on X, East called Clark's year "definitely underrated." 

"As soon as she got to be fully healthy after the back stuff, she's just been off and running and looked spectacular. And has been at worst the second-best player in the league.”

Clark believes that despite not being at 100% during this season, she is the second-best player in the WNBA, trailing maybe A’ja Wilson. That says a lot about Clark’s potential. Her 45-point, 10-assist performance against Seattle on July 17- the first 40-10 game in league history — marked the moment things changed.

Clark later said that was the first night she felt fully healthy after the back injury that sidelined her against Phoenix in June.

Since that game, Clark has averaged 26.1 points, 9.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over 17 contests while maintaining strong efficiency. 

Do you think the Fever are managing Clark's back injury the right way, given how much is riding on these final games? 

Written by

Zaid Quraishi