Caitlin Clark injury puts dream matchup vs. Paige Bueckers in jeopardy

Fans, of course, are disappointed. It appeared as though Clark was injured during a play late in the win over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.

Clark was subbed out, and it seemed like her night was done. Instead, she went back into the game before limping off after some contact.

There wasn't an injury reported at the time, but Thursday's announcement could cost the WNBA a dream matchup between Clark and Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings.

The game, scheduled for Friday night in Dallas on Ion, would have been the first matchup between the two women's basketball superstars since UConn and Iowa met in the 2024 Final Four. Clark's Hawkeyes won that day. Bueckers and UConn defeated Iowa in an NCAA Tournament game back in 2021. 

Bueckers doesn't have quite the following that Clark does, but it's close. The UConn alum is averaging 17.7 points, 5.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game this season for Dallas. 

Bueckers also joined Clark as the only rookie in WNBA history to score 35 points with five made three-pointers in a game earlier this season. It was going to be one of the most anticipated games of the season, but now, Clark's status is in doubt.

Earlier in the season, when Clark missed five games, the team announced originally that she was expected to miss four. Notably, the Fever didn't rule Clark out for Friday. That leaves a glimmer of hope for Clark to play against Dallas.

If not, the WNBA and its fans will miss out on what would have been must-see TV.