PHOENIX — Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will not play in the club’s season series finale against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Stephanie White confirms that Caitlin Clark will be active tonight, Aliyah Boston inactive, and then the two will flip flop on the 2nd night of the back to back tomorrow in Phoenix.
— Pat Boylan Fever/Pacers (@PatBoylanPacers) July 8, 2026
Fever coach Stephanie White told reporter Pat Boylan that she plans to alternate rest between Clark and Aliyah Boston as both players continue to nurse injuries. Boston will sit out Wednesday’s game, while Clark will miss Thursday’s contest as Indiana prepares for a back-to-back.
That leaves Indiana without its primary scorer and playmaker as it travels to Phoenix, allowing the Mercury to take advantage as both teams look to claim the season series after splitting the first two meetings.
The Indiana guard averaged 21.5 points with 8.5 assists and 1.5 rebounds against Phoenix this season.
Jun 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Phoenix Mercury guard Shay Ciezki (5) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Clark’s absence also changes the dynamic of a matchup that has grown increasingly physical this season. The teams’ most recent meeting on June 24 saw Phoenix take an 111-109 victory in Indianapolis, but the result was overshadowed by a physical game that reignited tensions between the clubs. The first two meetings featured multiple heated moments, including several technical fouls as emotions continued to flare.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was later suspended one game after the league upgraded her contact with Clark on a loose ball play to a Flagrant 2 foul.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) attempts to strip the ball from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77.
With Clark out, Phoenix has a chance to secure the season series and add another win before the All-Star break. And despite Indiana being without its biggest star, the recent history between the teams suggests Thursday’s matchup could be just as competitive as the first two meetings.
The Mercury take on the Fever on Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m.
Jun 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Phoenix Mercury forward Noemie Brochant (1) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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