Caitlin Clark to miss only Phoenix trip this season; out for Fever vs. Mercury

Valley basketball fans looking forward to seeing Caitlin Clark in Phoenix will have to wait another year.

The Indiana Fever star has been ruled unavailable for Thursday’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury due to an ongoing back issue, Fever coach Stephanie White told reporters on Wednesday.

The news comes as a bit of a surprise given Clark’s status. The third-year guard is active and available to play Wednesday in Los Angeles against the Sparks, making her absence for the subsequent trip to Phoenix a tough pill to swallow for local fans who had circled this date on the calendar.

Caitlin Clark has not played in Phoenix since 2024

This is the Fever’s lone trip to Mortgage Matchup Center this season, and Clark missed both games in Phoenix last season. She did not play after July 15 last year due to a right groin injury and subsequent bone bruise.

Clark’s history with the Mercury has already produced some memorable battles this season. The Fever and Mercury split a June homestand at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Clark led Indiana to an 86-77 victory on June 22, before the Mercury bounced back just two days later on June 24 with a thrilling 111-109 win.

That June 24 game also carried plenty of extra friction. During the second quarter, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was involved in a controversial loose-ball scramble with Clark, where Thomas’ fist made contact with Clark’s throat.

WTF pic.twitter.com/6w1u8bbNOV

— From Anywhere 🌍 (@cc22hawkeye) June 25, 2026

While no foul was whistled in real time, the WNBA office retroactively upgraded the play to a Flagrant Foul 2 and handed Thomas a one-game suspension for what it deemed a “non-basketball act.” The fallout from that sequence dominated national headlines over the past two weeks, adding an intense layer of narrative to a rematch that will now feature neither Clark on the floor nor a chance for the two to square off again.

Compounding the lineup shuffling for Indiana is the status of All-Star Aliyah Boston.

Boston is unavailable Wednesday against the Sparks in Los Angeles, but White told reporters she will be available for Thursday’s game in Phoenix. Managing the roster across consecutive nights on the road appears to be driving the Fever’s cautious approach, even if it leaves them without Clark against the Mercury.

Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas probable vs. Indiana

On the Phoenix side, there is an injury development to watch as well. Thomas is listed as probable for Thursday’s contest while dealing with a foot injury. Thomas gave Phoenix a brief scare during Tuesday’s game against Chicago when she went down with a lower-leg injury before returning to finish out the fourth quarter.

Alyssa Thomas injury that wasn’t. Non contact she just went down. She is back in game. pic.twitter.com/TMPTyljiFO

— CCFC-New season (@sohali2012) July 8, 2026

Head coach Nate Tibbetts later noted it appeared someone had stepped on her big toe, and her probable status indicates she is expected to be on the floor.

Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb could make season debut

The Mercury’s backcourt could also receive a significant boost. Guard Sami Whitcomb is listed as probable and is on track to make her highly anticipated season debut. Whitcomb has been sidelined since undergoing arthroscopic surgery in early May to remove a loose body in her left knee. Her perimeter sharpshooting and veteran stability off the bench will provide welcome depth for a Phoenix rotation looking to capitalize on Indiana’s absence.

Thursday’s tipoff between the Mercury and Fever is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.

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