Clark had already been dealing with tightness in the same leg during the preseason, although the team has not confirmed if the current injury is directly related. Her absence comes at a critical moment for an Indiana team still trying to find its rhythm, currently sitting at 2-2 following narrow defeats to the Atlanta Dream and reigning champions New York Liberty. Clark, the Fever's offensive engine, leads the team in scoring with 19 points per game and tops the league in assists, averaging 9.3 per outing.
Her projected two-week absence will see her miss at least four games: a road trip to the Washington Mystics, two home games against the Connecticut Sun and Mystics, and a visit to the Chicago Sky. Clark is set to be re-evaluated on June 9, but that date marks an assessment—not a guaranteed return. The Fever's next game after that is against Atlanta on June 10, followed by a four-day break before they face New York again on June 14.
Recovering from a quad strain can vary greatly, from a few weeks to several months, making the timeline for Clark's return uncertain. However, the upcoming schedule may offer some breathing room, with seven of Indiana's next eight games coming against teams they could potentially beat even without Clark. Still, their margin for error will be significantly smaller.
This stretch presents an opportunity for Indiana to test its depth. Head coach Stephanie White has emphasized the importance of improving play when Clark isn't the focal point, and now the team must prove it can step up in her absence. Without Clark, Indiana is expected to rotate ball-handling duties. In the preseason win over Washington, with Clark sitting out, veteran Sydney Colson started and logged 15 minutes, while other guards like Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull played heavy minutes. More recently, Hull joined the starting lineup, and Cunningham saw reduced time off the bench. Colson did not play in Saturday's game, but could now see more minutes.
Statistically, Clark's impact is undeniable. Indiana's offensive rating is 107.5 when she's on the floor, plummeting to 82.2 without her. With scoring expected to dip, the Fever will need a stronger defensive presence to stay competitive. Clark's absence isn't just a physical loss—it introduces a mental hurdle, too, as she navigates missing games for the first time. Yet she's expected to remain an active presence on the sidelines, offering support to her teammates.
Despite the setback, the bigger picture remains intact. Clark was the preseason favorite for MVP, though she's focused on team success over individual awards. If she returns in a reasonable timeframe and avoids re-aggravation, this injury shouldn't derail her season or Indiana's long-term goals. While her absence will certainly be felt, the early timing gives the Fever a chance to recalibrate. If the team holds steady in the weeks ahead, they remain a legitimate playoff contender.
