Caitlin Clark's questionable health during the playoffs sparks controversy: Is it a ploy by the Indiana Fever?

C aitlin Clark 's recurring appearance on the Indiana Fever 's injury report has once again caught the attention of WNBA fans, with the star guard listed as probable ahead of Sunday's playoff opener against the Las Vegas Aces. The three-time All-Star has dealt with back problems at different stages of the season, including missing Indiana 's May 20 matchup with the Portland Fire before sitting out again after aggravating the issue in June.

Since returning, Clark has continued to appear on the injury report despite not missing a game since July 9, remaining available as the Fever pushed toward the postseason, so her probable designation has therefore become a familiar part of Indiana 's pregame routine - and immediately prompted a reaction from fans. One user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “We still doing this back gimmick.” A second added, “I guess we're doing this for the playoffs, too.” Another fan took a more pessimistic view of Indiana's postseason prospects, commenting, “Yeah, Fever first round exits.” The recurring designation has raised questions among fans about why Clark continues to appear on the report when she has repeatedly been cleared to play although the information provided by Indiana does not establish that the designation is being used strategically.

Fever could be without Clark and Boston

Clark being listed as probable is not the only concern facing Indiana before Game 1. Aliyah Boston is questionable with a right lower-leg injury after playing just 13 minutes in Thursday's 86-66 loss to the Minnesota Lynx . Boston left during the second quarter and did not return, making her status especially important against Las Vegas as her presence gives Indiana a significant interior option against an Aces frontcourt led by A'ja Wilson . Even if Boston is cleared, Indiana will have to determine how effectively she can perform while managing the lingering issue. The Fever cannot afford to compromise her long-term health, particularly at the beginning of a playoff run. Indiana is also already without Tyasha Harris , who suffered a season-ending broken left fibula during September 24's loss. She went down in the third quarter following a layup attempt and had to be carried from the court. Harris joined Indiana in April after previously playing for the Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun her absence should allow more opportunities for Raven Johnson behind Clark and Kelsey Mitchell . That leaves Indiana heading into its series against Las Vegas with multiple injury questions surrounding the roster. Clark remains probable rather than ruled out, while Boston 's questionable status could have a greater immediate impact on the Fever 's matchup with Wilson .