"Buying it? Or is this a mental break?": Jason Whitlock questions Caitlin Clark's groin injury amid brutal slump

The Indiana Fever announced on Thursday that Caitlin Clark would not play against the LA Sparks because of a groin injury.

Clark previously missed five games due to left quad issues. The latest injury capped off a three-game road slate where the superstar point guard struggled with her shot.

Veteran sports talk show host Jason Whitlock reacted to Clark's absence on X.

"Caitlin Clark out tonight with a groin injury. Buying it? Or is this a mental break?"

The Indiana Fever were 2-0 following Clark’s return from a left quad injury, before losing two of their next three games. In Indiana’s last three road games, Clark averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 7.3 turnovers.

Against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, she finished with six points, two rebounds, nine assists, three steals and eight turnovers. Although the Fever won 94-86, Clark had more turnovers than points for the first time in her basketball career.

Late in the fourth quarter against the Storm, Clark stumbled while trying to shake off former Fever teammate Erica Wheeler. She spent a few minutes on the floor before gingerly standing up. Clark grimaced and momentarily held her groin as she walked to the bench.

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Caitlin Clark was questionable ahead of the game against the Sparks. The team downgraded her to out a few hours before tip-off.

Fever wilted against LA Sparks without Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever looked like they would survive Thursday's contest against the LA Sparks without Caitlin Clark. Behind Kelsey Mitchell, Aari McDonald, Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston, the Fever entered the fourth quarter with a 58-50 advantage.

Kelsey Plum, who had a rough shooting night in the first three quarters, came alive in the final 10 minutes. She finished with 21 points and six assists. Azura Stevens also stepped up with 23 points and seven rebounds.

The Fever wilted and started to miss open shots. They were outscored 35-17 in the fourth quarter and lost the game 85-75.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero