Indiana Fever Make Big Roster Change Upon Caitlin Clark’s Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 1:03 PM ET

To begin the 2025 WNBA season, Caitlin Clark has missed over half the Indiana Fever's games due to a quad injury and, most recently, a groin.

But Clark made her return for the Fever as they hosted Kate Martin and the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday afternoon.

When Clark suffered her first injury in late May, Indiana was forced to bring in guard Aari McDonald to pick up some of the slack. She impressed and was picked up by the Fever again upon Clark's second injury.

Averaging 10.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, McDonald was inserted into the Fever's starting lineup while Clark was out, replacing Sydney Colson.

However, with Clark returning, Indiana believes McDonald has performed well enough to remain in the starting lineup. As a result, the Fever will bring Lexie Hull off the bench after she started 15 of the team’s first 18 games.

Along with McDonald, the rest of the Fever's starting lineup against the Valkyries includes Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard. These four have been the regular starters for coach Stephanie White.

lunch time ️ pic.twitter.com/lzJww9XLop
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 9, 2025

Hull is having the best season of her four-year career as well. The former Stanford Cardinal star is averaging career highs of 8.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. McDonald, on the other hand, earned a permanent spot on the roster after forward DeWanna Bonner departed from the team.

Following the Valkyries game, the Fever will continue a five-game home stand on Friday, hosting Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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