Just when the Indiana Fever found its footing again, they have a sombering news. They are currently preparing to host the physical Toronto Tempo team, which is the fifth-ranking offense in the league right now. This means that even though the Fever is fourth in scoring this season, it would need some extra fuel to continue its three-game winning streak. But their latest injury report suggests some difficulties ahead.

Less than 24 hours away from their home game, the Fever released its injury report naming both their offensive mastermind and defensive rookie. Caitlin Clark is probable due to her back issues, something that has been a lingering issue this season. She was previously using a back wrap when off the floor to manage the pain. But she was not seen wearing it recently.

Meanwhile, rookie guard Raven Johnson is questionable for her left ankle. Indy Star Sports’ Chloe Peterson revealed that the South Carolina product tweaked her ankle in the portion of practice open to media today. The team will continue monitoring her ahead of the tip-off.

It is worth noting that both statuses can be changed if improvement is seen even ahead of the game. Them not being out is a good thing, too. Clark’s presence on the report has become increasingly common over the last few weeks as she continues to manage a lingering back issue since the May 20 debacle.

Then, the Fever locked horns with the Portland Fire, and despite not appearing on the team’s injury report, Caitlin Clark was ruled out with back stiffness less than two hours before tip-off. That sudden update blindsided fans and eventually resulted in the Fever receiving a warning from the WNBA regarding their handling of the report.

Head coach Stephanie White had already mentioned that her mention on the injury list will continue unless they are one hundred percent confident in her health. The steps are being taken considering the many injuries that plagued the point guard last season.

Clark will likely suit up tomorrow. However, if either of the two rides the pine, White might give Tyasha Harris more floor time.

While Indiana is readily mentioning the true status of their players now, it hasn’t stopped skepticism. So much so that everyone is questioning the team for every decision at this point.

Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson Leave Fever Fans Asking Questions

With the report out, many fans started questioning just why and how these players in Indy are getting on the injury list.

One fan wrote, “Sad that when I see a new player on the injury report my first thought is ‘I wonder what she did to upset management.’ That’s the level of mistrust you guys have sowed with your fans. Can you even see that?” While another sarcastically added, “So, why is Raven being suspended? For not attacking Clark?”

Now, while one may look at these as extreme comments, they do have some basis. When Clark was ruled out against the Fire, many fans speculated her late scratch had more to do with her fractured relationship with the coaching staff than an actual injury.

Even before that incident, some fans had been questioning Clark’s relationship with head coach Stephanie White. Whether it was White’s comments about wanting the Fever star to play more off the ball or moments where fans felt Caitlin Clark’s performances were not getting enough recognition, social media had already spent weeks dissecting every interaction between the two.

So when Indiana unexpectedly scratched their guard, a portion of the fanbase immediately jumped to the conclusion that something more was going on behind the scenes. That controversy became so widespread that many are now viewing Johnson’s update through the same lens.

“How the hell Raven Johnson got hurt? She BARELY played minutes!! Is it because Raven actually passed the ball to CC? She don’t ball hog like Kelsey Mitchell. Is she on suspension time like Sophie did?? Hmmm,” wondered another follower.

The tension between the fanbase and the Fever management is continuously increasing, and White is becoming a target for all. But as Peterson mentioned, Johnson hurt herself during a practice session, and certainly that’s not something that even White would want, given the Tempo has a strong offense, something that can give the Fever a tough challenge.

Others were more concerned about Caitlin Clark’s status itself.

“CC playing basketball in the WNBA, Griner and the rest of the league is playing Football in the NFL. OR, practicing Brazilian Jujutsu. No wonder she is hurt or probable,” one fan wrote.

In Indiana’s recent win over Connecticut, Clark absorbed significant contact from Brittney Griner on multiple possessions without receiving a whistle. One of those plays even sent the Fever star crashing to the floor. In fact, while Griner has always been a physical player, given her position, she has received multiple fouls, including a flagrant 1 foul as recently as June against the Atlanta Dream. So from the fan’s perspective, if Clark continues taking hits like that, it is hardly surprising to see her repeatedly appear on the injury report.

Another added, “9 games in a row sounds like a preemptive excuse in case she gets cooked again.”

The comment reflects the growing discussion surrounding her injury designation. Since her surprise late scratch against the Fire, the Fever have routinely listed their star guard as probable because of her lingering back issue. However, Tempo is a physical team, which means they can stop Clark just like the Portland Fire did. In their 100-84 loss, Clark was held to just 6 points throughout the game. And if that was to happen again, some wonder if that’s simply a well-thought-out plan to keep the point guard’s image clean. However, who doesn’t have a bad night at their job?

Their reasoning is fairly simple: WNBA injury-reporting rules allow teams to make late decisions on players who are listed as probable or questionable. So, after receiving a warning from the league for how they handled the 24-year-old’s reporting, Indiana has taken a more cautious approach by including her on the injury report ahead of games, which is a head-scratcher in itself.

As a result, Clark is listed as probable, even though she has continued to suit up and play through the issue.

For now, Clark is still expected to suit up against Toronto. But after everything that has unfolded over the past few weeks, many Fever fans will likely wait until tip-off before feeling completely confident she is taking the floor.