Caitlin Clark doesn’t want to be on a minutes restriction when she plays, and Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White knows that.
So, when the Fever host the Los Angeles Sparks at 7 p.m. Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Clark will miss her fifth straight game with a left groin injury. Clark didn’t practice at full speed Friday, though she did semi-live shooting workouts and 3-on-3 drills.
The thought was, White said, Clark would be evaluated Saturday morning to see if she was fit to play later that night. However, the Fever listed Clark as out on the injury report Friday evening. The Fever (9-8) have won three straight games for the first time all season, notably winning the Commissioner’s Cup against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday and then Thursday holding the Las Vegas Aces to their fewest points since 2015.
”She’s stated she’s not a fan of minute restrictions,” White said after practice Friday. “If there is going to be a minutes restriction, maybe we’ll hold her another game. I prioritize her long-term health and wellness and making sure that when she comes back, she’s 100%.”
Kelsey Mitchell has been particularly sharp with Clark out. Mitchell is averaging 25.8 points over her last four games, and after shooting 41.3% in her first nine games this season, she’s shot 52.3% from the field since.
The Fever will need that to continue as the Sparks are the second visitor in a five-game homestand. Indiana will hit the road for two before hosting the WNBA All-Star Game on July 19.
Damiris Dantas reportedly OK after injury
The Fever have not had forward Damiris Dantas due to Brazilian National Team obligations for the FIBA Women’s Americup. Dantas was reportedly injured in the first half of Friday’s game against Mexico but, as reported by Roberta F. Rodrigues, Dantas started the third quarter and a Brazilian federation official said there’s nothing serious with her ankle.
Dantas was expected to miss the Fever’s game Saturday as one of four while away. The 6-foot-4 center in 13 Fever games averaged 5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 12 minutes per game off the bench.
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