The qualification for the playoffs is getting intense. With just 2.5 games separating he five teams, there are three places still up for grabs. The Indiana Fever, Golden State Valkyries, and Seattle Storm are holding on to these qualification places, while the Sparks and Mystics are lurking around the number eight spot. Analyzing each team’s chances, former player Sheryl Swoopes gave her views on the ‘shorthanded’ Indiana Fever side, considering Caitlin Clark’s absence.
She even warned Stephanie White’s team about CC’s injury. While the former Iowa star herself expressed frustration over the injury-laden season, she understands the importance of her being 100% for the games and is working hard on the same.
Sheryl Swoopes Talks About Caitlin Clark’s Injury
At the start of the season, the stacked Fever team was one of the favorites for the title. Instead, they are struggling to make the playoffs. Injury to the 2024 rookie might have played a significant role in this, but the team’s depth held on to the playoff qualification so long.
Highlighting Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston’s performances, the WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes mentioned that Lexie Hull should now step up for the challenge. She also sent a clear warning to head coach Stephanie White about her star player’s ‘weird’ injury.
“If and when she comes back, listen, a groin injury is a serious injury. You can sit out two months and do your rehab and all the things and feel good, and then, come game time, you can make the wrong cut, the wrong move, and there it goes again,” Swoopes said on the ‘Women’s Hoops Show’ podcast.
Earlier in July, Sophie Cunningham also discussed Clark’s injury, saying she feels okay at times, but again, it pains her in the groin region. Caitlin also talked about losing some strength while shooting during her interview on the Birds Eye podcast.
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“Caitlyn’s strength of being able to see the floor and get the ball where it needs to be. And of course her logo threes with a groin injury, you lose some of that strength. Last thing is she has to get back in basketball shape, not just shape,” Swoopes added with consideration of the Fever guard’s return.
Considering the star player’s playing position, her movements, passing, and shooting are part of her arsenal. Losing power in those areas will restrict the superstar player’s efficacy on the floor.
Sheryl Swoope Sees The Fever In Postseason Without Caitlin Clark Playing In The Regular Season
Getting into the playoffs requires being among the top eight teams in the league. Right now, the Indiana franchise holds sixth place, and with 10 remaining games, Swoopes hopes to see them contend for the title.
“I think they have the pieces even if Caitlin doesn’t come back. It has been really impressive, some of these wins that they have been able to get without her. And we look at, you know, how they finished off July. They were on a five-game winning streak, and they were able to down teams like the Mercury, the Aces, the Storm,” Swoopes optimistically said in the podcast.
Fever’s next fixtures involve three games against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, which could be their toughest test in the remaining season. But fans would hope to see them in the playoffs, just like Swoopes’ prediction.