With the entire world waiting for Caitlin Clark’s return to action, some doubt whether she should come back this season. The Indiana Fever are enduring a tough stretch and sit precariously close to a playoff spot, with many fans hoping Clark’s return will boost the team in the final games. However, analyst Jason Whitlock holds a different view, preferring not to see Clark back on the court this year.

On the Keep The Vision podcast, host Maurice asked Whitlock whether Clark should return during the playoffs. Whitlock challenged the assumption that the Fever will even make the playoffs, noting their difficult remaining schedule and inconsistent performance. He then said that if the Fever are to make the playoffs as the eighth seed, he does not want to see Caitlin Clark return. Justifying his take, he said, “If we make it as the eighth seed, it’s not worth it. We’re gonna get the brakes beat off of us by the Minnesota Lynx, and I don’t want Caitlin Clark participating in that.”

Whitlock also questioned the perceived availability of an easy win in Indiana’s remaining games, particularly their upcoming matchup with the Chicago Sky. On his podcast, he stated, “Not so fast my friend, not so fast. Angel Reese, with a chance to damage the Indiana Fever and knock them out of the playoffs. If Angel Reese is healthy, Cardoso is healthy and Ariel Atkins is healthy. And no Caitlin Clark, I believe the Chicago Sky are going to beat us in the final Chicago Sky vs. Fever game of the season.”

With three days to go before the game, it remains unclear if Clark will play, as she has yet to engage in contact drills. Indiana’s last game with Chicago resulted in a comfortable 92-70 victory, but that contest saw Angel Reese absent. Additionally, Sophie Cunningham contributed 16 points but is now ruled out for the season due to an MCL tear.

Going on his podcast, Jason also claimed that, in his opinion, Caitlin Clark went on a ‘mental break.’ This isn’t a new claim regarding Clark and her recovery. A few weeks ago, Skip Bayless also made the same claim, which was then emphatically rebuffed by Sophie Cunningham. While Cunningham did confirm that Caitlin’s injury is indeed real, she attributed such speculation to the Fever’s opaque communication regarding Clark’s status and recovery.

More than a week after reports of Clark participating in shootarounds, no significant updates have emerged. With only a week and four games left in the regular season, Fever fans may need to brace for the possibility of not seeing Clark again this year—assuming Indiana makes the playoffs.

What does the Indiana Fever need to do to make the playoffs in Caitlin Clark’s absence?

Currently, Indiana Fever sit seventh in the league standings. To secure a playoff spot, they likely need to win at least two of their remaining four games against challenging opponents: Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx (both playoff-qualified), along with Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics. Though favored on paper against Chicago and Washington, the Fever’s recent inconsistent play diminishes that advantage.

The Chicago Sky have regained health and momentum, and the Mystics feature potent scorers Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. The Mystics recently dealt the Fever a narrow 88-84 defeat, worsening Indiana’s playoff outlook. Complicating matters for Indiana, they hold no head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over playoff rivals, intensifying pressure as the Los Angeles Sparks trail closely behind in the standings.

Fortunately for Indiana, the Seattle Storm currently occupy the eighth seed but have only two remaining games—against the New York Liberty and Golden State Valkyries, both formidable opponents. The outcome of their final game benefits Indiana’s playoff prospects regardless of the result.

With only a few games left before final postseason spots are determined, pressure mounts for the Indiana Fever. While many hold out hope, the team must prepare for the possibility of competing without Caitlin Clark on the floor. Whether they can defy expectations and qualify for the playoffs without their star player remains to be seen.