Caitlin Clark will be back for the Indiana Fever’s May 22 matchup against the Golden State Valkyries after missing Wednesday’s game versus Portland with a back injury. Tipoff is 6:30 p.m. CT on ION, with streaming available on WNBA League Pass or Fubo.
Caitlin Clark didn’t play on Wednesday, and the Indiana Fever still got it done. Now the question hanging over the next game is much simpler: will she be on the floor tonight?
Indiana says yes. Clark has been ruled available for Friday’s game against the Golden State Valkyries, putting a spotlight back on the Fever’s star as they try to push toward a fourth win of the 2026 season.
Clark was ruled out of Wednesday’s matchup against the Portland Fire due to a back injury. her first missed game of the season. Despite that absence, Indiana won 90–73 on May 20, with Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston combining for 45 points. Boston, who was returning from an injury of her own, played a key role as the Fever carried momentum.
The back injury timeline mattered enough that Coach Stephanie White explained it prior to Wednesday’s game. On Friday afternoon, the Fever announced that Clark would be available for the Golden State matchup. Indiana had listed Clark as probable on the team’s Thursday injury report.
Tonight’s matchup is set for Friday, May 22, with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. CT. Fans can watch it live on ION, and streaming is available through WNBA League Pass or via Fubo.
Betting markets are already moving. As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings listed the Fever at -7.5.
Golden State arrives in a strong but not dominant spot. The Valkyries are 2–1 on the season after a 69–63 loss to the Chicago Sky on May 13. Their attack is led by Janelle Salaun, who averages 15.7 points. Veronica Burton is contributing with 15.0 points and 7.3 assists, while Gabby Williams is at 14.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. Kayla Thornton adds 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds.
If Clark plays tonight, it also changes the mood around the Fever’s season narrative. Indiana is currently listed as 3–2 as they look for that fourth win.
Clark’s status also remains part of a bigger conversation across the league. As of Thursday afternoon, Clark is second in WNBA MVP odds behind reigning MVP A’ja Wilson. The Fever’s championship odds are similarly positioned: as of Thursday afternoon. they were behind the Las Vegas Aces. New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream. but still held the fourth-best odds to win the 2026 WNBA championship.
This update comes as the Fever confirm Clark’s most recent injury status for Friday’s game.
Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever Portland Fire Golden State Valkyries Stephanie White WNBA ION WNBA League Pass Fubo May 22 2026