'I Actually Had That Injury In 2006': Caitlin Clark’s Groin Woes Gets No Sugarcoating From Lisa Leslie

That type of injury doesn’t just hurt—it messes with how you run and plant your feet. And for Clark, who relies on swift moves and sharp cuts, this is anything but minor.

In fact, Leslie has more insight: she said groin injuries tend to flare up unexpectedly. “One move, one change of direction, and boom, you’re right back feeling that same type of pain.” 

Sure enough, Clark’s re-aggravation late in the Connecticut Sun win ended her night—and now, her All-Star plans may be in jeopardy. The WNBA announced she’s officially out of both the 3-point contest and game this weekend, despite being one of two captains setting a record 1.29 million fan votes. 

That decision stings for Caitlin Clark on hometown turf. Indianapolis was buzzing to host its first All-Star packed with Fever flair—but Clark will coach from the sidelines instead, helping Sandy Brondello’s Liberty squad. 

This is more than a missed weekend. Clark’s season has been peppered with muscle strains—quad and groin miss-outs totaling 11 games already. That shaky rhythm shows in her numbers: 27.9% from deep, clutch-less moments, and a bench that’s tougher to spark. 

But here’s what makes this real: Clark has been a one-woman engine for the WNBA’s rise in popularity. Even off the floor, her impact lingers—boosting ratings, attendance, and conversation. Her absence casts a long shadow, not only on the Fever, but on an entire weekend built for celebration.

Fever Coach Stephanie White Offers Cautious Schedule Update on Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever are being extra careful as Caitlin Clark battles her latest groin flare-up.

“No discussion yet about this weekend,” head coach Stephanie White said after Clark was ruled out of Wednesday’s matchup. “There was imaging done, and… obviously ruling her out for tonight, but there hasn’t been any discussion beyond tonight.” 

That cautious phrasing is more than coach-speak. Earlier this season, Clark missed multiple stretches, and had just returned in a late-June win—only to see the injury reappear in Boston. 

White also made a key point—Clark’s future matters more than one game. And as long as recovery remains day-to-day, a quick return could cause more harm than good.

So, while fans hold their breath for Saturday’s All-Star game, the focus is on long-term care—not short-term glory. The hope is simple: healthy before October.