The Indiana Fever will face the New York Liberty on Tuesday, but they will do so without star player Caitlin Clark, who has been ruled out due to a right groin injury. This marks the 11th regular season game Clark will miss, further complicating her season after a strong debut in the WNBA. In contrast, the Liberty will welcome back Jonquel Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, who is set to play her first game since June 19.
Clark’s absence is significant for the Fever. The two-time All-Star and 2024 No. 1 pick has been sidelined multiple times this season due to injuries, including issues with her left quad and left groin. Currently, she averages 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. Her performance has been a cornerstone for the Fever, making her continued absence deeply felt.
On the other hand, Jones has faced her own challenges this season. After initially spraining her right ankle in early June, she aggravated the injury shortly after her return, limiting her to just nine games this year. The Liberty, who began the season with a promising 9-0 record, have struggled in her absence, holding a 7-5 record without her. Jones contributes significantly to the team, averaging 12.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 43.8% from beyond the arc.
The matchup between the Fever and the Liberty is set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. This will be their second meeting within a week, as the teams faced off last Wednesday in Brooklyn, where the Liberty secured a 98-77 victory despite Clark’s presence on the court.
As both teams adjust to the changes in their rosters, the outcome of this game could have implications for their respective standings in the league as they head into the latter part of the season.
