Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese have an intense rivalry dating back to their college days and are arguably the WNBA’s two biggest brands. Reese and the Dream are off to a fantastic 6-2 start to the season, while the Fever and Clark are treading water with a 4-4 record.
The two teams are set to face one another for the first time in the 2026 campaign on Thursday in a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup. However, one day ahead of the game, Clark was listed on Indiana’s injury report.
Status Report for tomorrow’s game vs. Atlanta:
Caitlin Clark – Probable (back)
Damiris Dantas – Probable (personal) pic.twitter.com/09wdX46msm— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 3, 2026
Clark’s showing up on the injury report ahead of the biggest game thus far in Indiana’s young season caused quite the stir on social media.
“She better stay this game out or she gonna get locked up by Rhy, Lish and Jordan!!” one fan posted on X, referring to Atlanta’s league-best defense.
“Guaranteed offensive meat for the Dream! Love it,” someone else added.
“Indiana flu might have a chance of winning if she doesn’t play,” another person wrote.
“She is running from ATL guards,” someone else speculated.
A lingering issue
Clark’s back has already cost her one game this season. After missing that game, Clark explained how she’s been managing her body better than she might’ve in the past.
“I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve like kind of been understanding my body more,” she told reporter James Boyd.
#Fever star Caitlin Clark on managing her back:
“I don’t think it necessarily started at a certain point. I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve kind of been understanding my body more. …”
“But I don’t think it’s anything of concern, no.” pic.twitter.com/8SWKdp4xEe
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 26, 2026
“You know, I think before that it was always like, ah, I’m fine, I’m fine. Like, go play, go play, go play. And maybe sometimes I’m a little too hyper-aware about certain things, but at the same time, that’s good. Like, I understand things and just continuing to work through that.”
Hopefully, Clark is healthy enough to go on Thursday, in what should be an electric next chapter in her rivalry with Reese.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.