Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Fever star Caitlin Clark is expected to return for Saturday – just in time for the defending champion Liberty.
Clark missed the last five games with a strained quad. The 2024 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 Commission Cup showdown against New York.
“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.”
Clark has led the Fever in scoring (19 points per game) and assists (9.3.) She’s also the best rebounder amongst the team’s guards, averaging six boards per game.
The Fever are 4-5 this season after losing three of the past five games without Clark.
Clark’s return was not the only good news for the Fever on the injury front.
Guard Sophie Cunningham is also expected to be back in the mix Saturday, according to White.
Cunningham was sidelined the last three games after aggravating an ankle injury that she first hurt 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% from deep in four games.
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With Clark and Cunningham back in the mix, the Fever are close to being at full strength.
Indiana is planning to be without DeWanna Bonner, who remains away from the team for an undisclosed personal reason.
Saturday will be the second meeting between the Fever and Liberty this season.
About two weeks ago, the Liberty survived their closest encounter to a loss yet at Indiana after they blew a double-digit lead in the second half and tailed by 12 in the fourth quarter.
Natasha Cloud made the game-sealing, controversy-stirring stop on Clark as time expired.
The Fever believed Cloud fouled Clark on the steal, while Cloud thought the officials made the right call.
The Liberty are off to their best start in franchise history having won nine straight. They’re beating opponents by an average of 19 points and have set several franchise and league records during their hot start.
After the Lynx lost to the Storm earlier this week, New York is the only undefeated team remaining.
But Clark & Co. will look to challenge that Saturday.