Fever’s Caitlin Clark to Play Limited Minutes Against Seattle

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark will continue to see a reduction in her playing time as the series progresses, according to coach Stephanie White, prior to Friday’s matchup against Seattle.

Clark’s minutes have been carefully monitored since an earlier recurrence of an issue this season.

Throughout 20 games, she’s averaging 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists.

Additionally, center Aliyah Boston has been ruled “out” due to a lower leg injury.

White commented on Boston’s condition, saying, “I really don’t think it’s just about what happened in the last game. It’s kind of a mix of past games leading to inflammation, especially with back-to-back games approaching.”

When asked if Boston would be able to play if Friday weren’t the first of a back-to-back, White seemed uncertain. “I hope so,” she added. “This is really a team effort with the medical staff, AB, and all of us, keeping the bigger picture in mind.”

The Fever currently finds themselves in the midst of three games in just four days. They will face the Liberty the following day, just as New York will be enjoying an unexpected five-day break due to a rescheduled game in Dallas.

Coach Chris DeMarco of the Liberty spoke to reporters about the change, stating, “It’s nice to have some extra time to regroup. We’ve faced a few plane issues, and while things are different now, it has allowed us to bond as a team through film study and practice.”

Saturday’s game between New York and Indiana could be pivotal. Both teams, sitting in sixth and seventh place, respectively, have much to demonstrate.

Interestingly, neither team has been at their best lately. Both need this game to turn things around.

The Fever has had a tough run lately, and the Liberty have dropped seven of their last nine matches.

Saturday could serve as a crucial opportunity for a statement win.

In addition, Sabally Sato will miss the All-Star break due to a concussion. The timeline for her return is still unclear, but DeMarco did mention that she’s beginning to feel better.

“She’s making progress,” he said. “Once she’s ready, we’ll get her back on the court.”

Sabally suffered the concussion during a win against the Liberty in Las Vegas on June 23 and has been undergoing treatment since.

Meanwhile, Leoni Fievic is out for an indefinite period due to a left foot injury. DeMarco noted that while a significant injury was avoided, more details were not disclosed.

Fievic, who played 36 minutes in a victory over the Lynx on July 3, felt fine at that point. However, after a shooting session the next day, she reported experiencing severe body pain.