Caitlin Clark likely to play as Fever host Valkyries

The Indiana Fever will host the Golden State Valkyries in a high-stakes WNBA matchup on Wednesday, July 15, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time, will be broadcast on USA Network. Fever star Caitlin Clark is listed as probable to play while continuing to manage a lingering back injury, with her minutes expected to be restricted.

The contest features two of the league's top teams. The Fever, leading the Eastern Conference with a 14-9 record, are seeking their third consecutive victory. The Valkyries, tied for the third-best overall record at 17-7, enter the game on a seven-game winning streak and are just one game behind the Minnesota Lynx for the league's best mark. The teams have split their two previous meetings this season, with Indiana winning 90-82 on May 22 and Golden State claiming a 90-88 victory on May 28.

Clark's availability, though likely, comes with ongoing caution from the Fever's medical and coaching staff. She has been listed as probable due to back soreness 15 times this season. The team has managed her workload carefully, particularly after she aggravated the injury on June 24. In her return to action on July 12...