Caitlin Clark’s return to play criteria revealed by Fever coach ahead of WNBA playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News
Caitlin Clark’s potential return from a right groin injury is arguably the top storyline to watch in the final two weeks of the WNBA regular season. The Fever point guard has not played since July 15, and Indiana is locked in a fierce battle to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
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Clark took part in shootaround before the Fever lost to the Lynx on Sunday, but she did not play in Minnesota — nor did she take the court when Indiana blew out the Seattle Storm on Tuesday. All signs point to the All-Star sharpshooter missing her 17th successive game when the Fever visits the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, though Clark’s participation in walkthroughs could be an encouraging sign.
MORE: Fever playoff picture: Updated WNBA standings, clinching scenarios for Caitlin Clark, Indiana
Fever head coach Stephanie White is exercising caution and patience with Clark, Indiana’s franchise player who just signed a signature shoe deal with Nike.
“I want to see her in practice, you know, live in practice,” White said Tuesday. “I want to see her continue to work to not just build endurance, but to be able to handle contact 94 feet, as it’s going to be in-game. And to be able to do that and sustain from an endurance standpoint. That’s going to take multiple practices to make sure that there’s no regression.”
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Based on White’s conditions, Clark’s return may be some way off still. Including Friday night’s game in LA, the Fever has six games remaining in the regular season — and a two-game cushion over the Sparks in ninth place.
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