Fever star Caitlin Clark is expected to return Saturday — just in time to face the defending champion Liberty.
Clark missed the past five games because of a strained quad.
The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year has been gradually working her way back, and Fever coach Stephanie White believes Clark will be good to go for Saturday’s Commissioner’s Cup showdown against the Liberty in Indianapolis.
“I felt like today was better than yesterday in terms of movement and balance and feeling like she’s getting back into rhythm, timing, all of those things,” White told reporters Friday after practice. “As long as we don’t have any regressions, she’s going to be ready to roll.”
Caitlin Clark applauds her teammates during the first half of a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesClark leads the Fever in scoring (19.0) and assists (9.3), and also averages six rebounds per game.
The Fever are 4-5 after losing three of the five games without Clark.
“It’s definitely been a process,” Clark said Friday. “Just have tried to control my mindset the whole time I’ve been out and learn from the bench. I think it can teach you a lot of different things. … But I’m super, super excited. I’m antsy to get out there and probably shake off a little bit of rust and then play.”
Clark’s return was not the only good news for the Fever on the injury front.
Guard Sophie Cunningham also is expected to be back in the mix Saturday, according to White.
Cunningham was sidelined the past three games after aggravating an ankle injury she suffered in the Fever’s preseason finale.
“Sophie looked really good,” White said. “Her timing was good. Getting back into game rhythm and timing is the most important thing.”
Cunningham has averaged 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point range in four games.
Lexie Hull #10 and Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the game against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Game on June 10, 2025 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NBAE via Getty ImagesWith Clark and Cunningham back in the mix, the Fever are close to being at full strength, and subsequently waived point guard Aari McDonald.
But Indiana is planning to be without forward DeWanna Bonner, who remains away from the team for an undisclosed personal reason.
Saturday will be the second meeting this season between the Fever and Liberty.
On May 24, the Liberty (9-0) survived their closest encounter to date at Indiana after they blew a double-digit lead in the second half and trailed by 12 in the fourth quarter.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the New York Liberty on May 24, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images
Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to the last play of the game during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Grace Smith-Imagn ImagesNatasha Cloud made the game-sealing, controversy-stirring stop on Clark as time expired.
The Fever believed Cloud fouled Clark on the steal.
Cloud thought the officials made the right call.
The Liberty are off to their best start in franchise history.
They’re beating opponents by an average of 19 points and have set several franchise and league records during their undefeated start.
After the Lynx lost to the Storm earlier this week, the Liberty are the only undefeated team remaining in the league.
But Clark & Co. will look to challenge that Saturday.
