Caitlin Clark listed as probable for Fever-Valkyries rematch following early season back issues
The Indiana Fever are gearing up for a crucial rematch against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, and the buzz surrounding the team centers on two of its key players. Veteran point guard Caitlin Clark, who has been battling a lingering back issue since the early part of the WNBA season, is listed as probable for the matchup. Meanwhile, forward Bree Hall also appears set to suit up, according to the organization’s injury report.
Clark’s availability has been a topics of discussion all week. She missed the Fever’s opening game of the season on May 20 against the Portland Fire—her first extended absence—yet Indiana still rolled to a 90‑73 victory. The team carried that momentum into last Friday’s win over Golden State, again posting a 90‑point tally. In the week’s prior contest against the Valkyries, concerns about Clark’s health faded when she returned to the starting lineup, delivering a team‑high 22 points and helping the Fever secure a third straight win.
The 2025 campaign has been a challenging one for Clark. After a breakout rookie season in 2024—posting 40 appearances and capturing the Rookie of the Year award—she endured a shortened stint this year because of a groin strain and an ankle‑bone bruise, limiting her to just 13 games.
On Wednesday, while the Fever were on an off day ahead of the rematch, Clark was spotted about a mile from the Valkyries’ home arena, enjoying a day of professional baseball. She attended the San Francisco Giants’ contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park, accompanied by her boyfriend, former Iowa basketball standout Connor McCaffery. The pair were photographed wearing Giants hats, a subtle nod to the Bay Area’s baseball culture.
Clark’s interest in baseball stretches back several years. In a 2024 interview, she explained her shifting allegiances: “My boyfriend grew up a really big Phillies fan, so I kinda had to like the Phillies. I do like them, I love Bryce Harper. I still like the Cubs, I like the Yankees. I’m not like a diehard any baseball team. My dad was a big Royals fan. Kansas City was like a professional sports team to us. I liked the Chiefs before the Chiefs were really good too, so I’m not a bandwagoner either. I like the Phillies, so I’ll cheer for them this postseason.”
The Fever’s medical staff remains optimistic that both Clark and Hall will be available to play, and their potential presence could be a deciding factor in a series that has seen Indiana post high‑scoring victories. As the team prepares for Thursday’s game, fans are watching closely to see whether the back‑issue concerns will fade and whether the Fever can continue their recent offensive surge against Golden State.