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44m ago

Caitlin Clark Late Scratch for Back Soreness Raises Questions About Fever Reporting

The late decision to rule Clark out could prompt a WNBA review of the Fever’s day‑before injury disclosures.

May 17, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the first half against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the game against the Portland Fire on May 20, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, Image 2 shows Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Seattle Storm on May 17, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball.
Image

Overview

  • The Indiana Fever announced roughly 100 minutes before tip that Caitlin Clark would not play on Wednesday because of back stiffness and soreness.
  • Head coach Stephanie White said Clark woke up with stiffness, missed Tuesday practice for treatment, and that the scratch was a precaution rather than long‑term load management.
  • Indiana beat the Portland Fire 90-73 without Clark, with Aliyah Boston leading the team with 24 points and eight rebounds.
  • Clark was not listed on the Fever’s injury report the day before the game, prompting media and fan criticism and raising the possibility the WNBA will review whether reporting rules were followed.
  • Clark’s missed game follows a season marred by injuries in 2025 and a condensed early schedule, and the episode heightens debate over how franchises protect star players while keeping public injury disclosures clear.