The Indiana Fever play the second of a back-to-back on Thursday, July 9, against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The contest is scheduled for a 10 p.m. ET tip-off, with coverage available on Prime Video.
Caitlin Clark will be out for Thursday’s game due to an ongoing back issue. However, Aliyah Boston, who has been battling a lower leg injury and missed a recent loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, is set to play.
Clark Sidelined Amidst Back Concerns
Caitlin Clark was officially ruled out of Thursday’s match-up between the Fever and Mercury due to rest, following an ongoing back issue. Earlier in the week, she had discussed the difficulties associated with playing back-to-back games and navigating a four-game road trip.
Clark elaborated on the impact of her condition, stating on Tuesday, July 7, that ‘With it being a back-to-back, it is obviously kind of tough to get back into it.’ She added that ‘When you have some back stiffness and things like that, it can affect a lot of other areas of your body.’
She also highlighted the physical toll of travel, noting, ‘Obviously it’s not always fun sitting on a plane for four hours and traveling a lot.’ Clark acknowledged the challenge, saying, ‘It’s hard on your body to travel and be on the road for 10 days and sleeping in different hotels and things like that. But I know I’m doing everything I can to be as healthy as possible.’
Lingering Fallout from Previous Fixture
This upcoming game marks the first meeting between the two sides since the Mercury’s 111-109 victory over the Fever on June 24. That contest generated considerable national headlines due to a controversial incident.
The aftermath of that game saw the WNBA issue a one-game suspension and fine to Alyssa Thomas. The disciplinary action was for ‘recklessly’ making contact with Clark’s throat during the match.
Thomas subsequently denied any malicious intent regarding the contact, describing it as ‘a complete accident.’ She also noted that she ‘didn’t even know that play happened’ until she saw clips of the incident online after the win.
Following the extensive reactions to the incident, Clark publicly stated that the threats and hate directed towards Thomas and her Mercury teammates needed to cease. She conveyed, ‘I’ve said up here and said before, the harassment, the hate, none of that is OK.’
Whitcomb Returns for Mercury Debut
The Phoenix Mercury will see guard Sami Whitcomb make her season debut against the Indiana Fever on Thursday. Whitcomb was initially listed as probable on the injury report before being upgraded to available ahead of the tip-off.
Whitcomb had missed the first 22 games of the season, having undergone an arthroscopy in May to remove a loose body in her left knee. She revealed that the injury occurred during practice when she came down on a rebound attempt and ‘felt something’ in her knee.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts confirmed that Whitcomb will be on a minutes restriction for her return. Tibbetts expressed enthusiasm for her comeback, stating, ‘Sami’s the ultimate professional. Everybody’s rooting for her to come back.’
He further commented on her value to the team, adding, ‘Obviously she’ll be limited in her minutes, but just excited for her. I know she’s put a lot of work into this. She’s got family here. So yeah, it’s a cool moment for her, exciting for us to get her back just because she just gives us so much experience shooting. She knows how to play with and without the ball.’
The Mercury and Fever are scheduled to play at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 9, at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Live updates, highlights, and further coverage for the match-up are being provided.