Caitlin Clark hints at upcoming absence amid Fever development

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Caitlin Clark should be back on the floor for the Indiana Fever on Wednesday night.

The Fever will be on the road against the Los Angeles Sparks as they look to make it three wins in a row. Clark was sidelined for their previous two games due to a back injury, but she is expected to make her comeback in Wednesday’s showdown.

Indiana is currently on a four-game road trip. The Sparks matchup will be their second contest away from home, and it will be followed by another game on Thursday night. It’s a back-to-back set for the Fever as they face the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, and it remains to be seen if Clark will be able to play in both games.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to the loss to Washington Mystics.

Fever star Caitlin Clark remains cautious ahead of back-to-back

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday during practice, the 24-year-old stated that she is “very hopeful” to play against the Sparks. The Fever later announced that she is officially probable to play.

Clark, however, hinted at the possibility of her absence for the Mercury game on Thursday.

“Obviously, I think it’ll be difficult for me to play both this one on Wednesday and then obviously the one on Thursday. But we’ll see,” Clark said. “… Obviously (from) a health standpoint, but just getting back into it.”

Clark said that she expects to be on a minutes restriction but hopes to play over 20 minutes against L.A. However, she has conceded that playing on two consecutive nights will be a challenge.

“Just with it being a back-to-back is obviously kind of tough to get back into it,” she admitted. “But then, hopefully feel good after the game versus L.A. And then be available [against the Las Vegas Aces].”

The big takeaway is that Clark is currently “feeling great.” It doesn’t seem like she will be hampered by her back issue on Wednesday against the Sparks. Thursday’s matchup against the Mercury, however, is a different conversation altogether.

The Fever will close out their road trip on Sunday against the defending champions, the Aces.