Caitlin Clark cleared to play in Fever preseason finale after injury scare
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The Indiana Fever wrap up their 2026 preseason schedule against the Nigerian national team on Saturday night.
Caitlin Clark was not listed on the injury report entering the game. Concerns were raised about his health and immediate availability following his collision with a Dallas Wings player during Thursday’s preseason game. He limped to the bench but appeared to walk away during a replay review that resulted in a Flagrant 1 call.
Clark returned to make two free throws before spending the rest of the game on the sidelines.
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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever brings the ball up the court against Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings during the first half of a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 30, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
He broke the team record with 21 points. Clark made two of her three-point attempts while hitting 11 of 13 from the free throw line. He also recorded two rebounds, four assists and one steal in the contest.
Two days later, the two-time All-Star will be in the starting 11 of Saturday night’s game despite his injury fears.
A series of injuries sidelined Clark in 2025, limiting the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader to 13 games in her second WNBA season. Injury problems last year included a groin strain followed by a bruised ankle bone.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays during the first half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on April 25, 2026. (John Jones/Imagn Images)
Ahead of the WNBA’s milestone 30th season, ESPN ranked the league’s top 50 active players. Back-to-back MVP and WNBA champion A’ja Wilson was at the top of the list. He was also ESPN’s top-ranked player heading into 2025. Clark was the 10th player on the list.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark takes a shot in the second half against the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 30, 2026. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
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Indiana appears healthy ahead of the regular season, and Fever center Aliyah Boston is expected to make her debut on Saturday. He missed the first two exhibition matches after getting injured while playing at Rivalless. Fire guard Ty Harris was also cleared to play on Saturday.
The Fever will open their regular season against the Wings on May 9 in Indianapolis.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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