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Stephanie White gives Caitlin Clark status update ahead of Fever-Sparks, but her next move raises questions

WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark returned for Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks, but her return came with a pretty big catch.

The Indiana Fever star is ready to take the field after a long-term back injury.

On Wednesday, Fever head coach Stephanie White unveiled a surprising workload management plan for Indiana’s back-to-back teams.

WNBA STAR CAITLIN CLARK REVEALS THE ‘MENTAL CHALLENGE’ CAUSED BY YOUR INJURIES

Indy Star Fever reporter Chloe Peterson asked for an update on All-Star forward Aliyah Boston’s injury status, as well as Clark’s questionable status heading into the Sparks game, and White delved into the Fever’s plan.

“Yes, [Boston] He only shot some of the footage, White told Peterson. “She’ll be out again on a back-to-back tonight. … Caitlin will be active tonight, not AB, and they’ll flip tomorrow.”

So Clark will play against the Sparks on Wednesday, but his Thursday night matchup against the Phoenix Mercury has already been ruled out. Boston will do the opposite.

The move came just days after the Fever beat the Las Vegas Aces 84-68 without Clark.

In 17 games this season, Clark averaged 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 30.8 minutes per game.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) questions an official during a preseason game between the Indiana Fever and the Brazil national team at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (IMAGN)

What is the thinking behind this strategy?

Clark built his reputation on wanting to play.

If he wakes up on Thursday feeling healthy and ready to play, the decision has already been made for him.

No one argues against preserving the face of the franchise. White is right to prioritize Clark’s long-term health after everything he’s been through this season.

WNBA WANTS A BIGGER STORY FROM CAITLIN CLARK BUT TV RATINGS SHOW IT

Caitlin Clark dribbles defended by Lexi Held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Caitlin Clark left the Indiana Fever after suffering a back injury in Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

But leaving him out more than 24 hours before tip-off feels overly cautious, especially when there’s no way of knowing how he’ll react after Wednesday night’s game. It also wouldn’t be surprising if White closely managed Clark’s minutes.

People buy tickets to watch the league’s biggest stars, not to see them get scratched because of the schedule.

Clark is the WNBA’s biggest attraction; Which means every game he misses leaves him asking the same question: Was it really necessary?

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White’s plan may ultimately be the right one, but ruling Clark out ahead of Thursday’s game will only invite more criticism.