The Indiana Fever have continued to make headlines since thier games with the Phoenix Mercury. Alyssia Thomas continues to receive online backlash after her Flagrant Foul 2 incident with Caitlin Clark, as the Fever star herself remains sidelined. Now, as they prepare to take on the Las Vegas Aces on July 5, Sophie Cunningham has missed practice. Thankfully, coach Stephanie White shed some light on the status of both her stars after the practice session.

“Sophie is still home under the weather. Caitlin did an individual workout this morning,” Stephanie White said during practice media availability on July 1. “She’s with our player development coaches, our medical staff, and our sports performance staff. She’s working on some basketball skill stuff and movement pattern stuff as she continues to work her way back to full team activities.”

However, White did not provide any other details on how severe Cunningham’s illness is or what may have caused it. Meanwhile, Clark has been on the end of a string of major events. A contact incident with Alyssa Thomas sparked a one-game suspension for the Mercury player and off-court controversy after online criticism. While the narrative continues to spiral, Clark injured her back during Game 2 with the Mercury on June 24.

When asked about Clark’s availability for the Aces clash, she said it’s still “too early to tell.” White also confirmed that the injury was a reaggravation of the back issue that had kept Clark on the injury report. Clark’s return will depend on how she feels day-to-day

“I think every day is a little bit better. Again, I reiterate for those who haven’t had back issues, every day it can be something different. You can feel really good in practices or workouts or warm-ups. And then you go to bed at night and you wake up and it’s different,” White said. “The back is a nagging thing that manifests itself in different ways.”

Caitlin Clark is currently averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game on 43% field goal shooting, 34.4% 3-point shooting and 85.4% free-throw accuracy. She is the heart and soul of this team. Clark is that X-factor that elevates this team to another level, which means they need her back as soon as possible. 

However, at the same time, Clark’s injury history suggests that the team needs to be careful as well. Last season, she suffered through multiple soft tissue injuries and managed to play only 13 games. The franchise would want to avoid repeating that and ensure she is at 100% before coming back. 

The Sparks game showed encouraging signs that this team can still sustain itself without Caitlin Clark. Tyasha Harris stepped up to add 16 points and 5 rebounds along with 3 assists at point guard. Stephanie White has shown that she can manage to elevate newer players with her system. A cobbled-together Fever team went to the semifinals last year. The Fever must prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.