In a league dominated by rising stars and legendary talents, Caitlin Clark’s meteoric ascent into the WNBA has been nothing short of historic. Her impact, both on and off the court, has fundamentally reshaped how the Indiana Fever are perceived—by fans, opponents, and analysts alike. But when a late scratch or potential absence from Clark becomes reality, it doesn’t just shake up the game plan for Indiana. It alters the entire complexion of the matchup. That’s the reality Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was forced to evaluate ahead of their upcoming clash with the Fever, as speculation swirled about Clark’s potential absence.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and arguably the most recognizable name in women’s college basketball history, brought with her a wave of attention unseen in years. She transformed the Fever into one of the league’s most watched teams overnight. But beyond the hype and headlines, Clark’s tangible effect on the floor—her court vision, her limitless shooting range, and her command of the offense—cannot be overstated.
So when rumors of her injury status began to emerge in the lead-up to the Sky-Fever showdown, Coach Weatherspoon and her staff were faced with an unusual challenge: How do you prepare for a team that is suddenly stripped of its floor general and emotional anchor?
“It changes a lot. A whole lot,” Weatherspoon said candidly during practice. “When Caitlin’s not out there, their spacing changes. The pace is different. Their decision-making flow takes a hit. That’s no knock on the rest of their roster—they have incredible players. But she’s the one that keeps the whole thing ticking.”
Weatherspoon, a former WNBA star herself and now one of the league’s most respected coaching minds, didn’t mince words when analyzing Clark’s value. According to her, Clark’s presence alters how defenses position themselves, forces bigs to stretch further out on the perimeter, and creates cutting lanes for teammates who feed off her gravity.
“You can’t replicate her. You just can’t,” she said. “She’ll pull up from 30 feet like it’s nothing, and you have to respect that. When she’s not there, we can compress the floor more. We can apply pressure in the half-court without worrying about getting burned from the logo.”
Indeed, the Sky’s defensive game plan underwent significant changes in response to Clark’s potential absence. In recent games, when Clark has been healthy, teams have resorted to a mix of box-and-one, extended zones, and aggressive hedging off screens in an attempt to contain her. Without her, the Fever are expected to lean more heavily on players like Kelsey Mitchell, NaLyssa Smith, and Aliyah Boston. All talented in their own right, but not quite the gravitational force Clark commands.
Weatherspoon pointed to Boston in particular as someone whose role would see a dramatic shift. “Aliyah’s one of the best post players in the league, but without Caitlin feeding her those high-IQ entry passes or drawing defenders away, it’s going to be a different look,” she explained. “We’ll have more opportunities to collapse on her, dig in from the wing, and test their passing under pressure.”
It’s a rare admission from a coach to acknowledge how much their own strategy relies on an opponent’s presence—or in this case, their absence. But it also speaks to how quickly Clark has changed the WNBA calculus. The rookie isn’t just playing her way into early MVP discussions; she’s actively rewriting scouting reports across the league.
Still, Weatherspoon emphasized that overlooking Indiana in Clark’s absence would be a mistake. “They’ve been building something there,” she noted. “They’ve had years of picking high in the draft. Aliyah’s a future MVP, Kelsey can shoot the lights out, and Smith is a matchup problem when she gets downhill. It’s not like we can relax. If anything, this makes them more unpredictable.”
Her players echoed that sentiment. Sky forward Angel Reese, another prominent name from the heralded 2024 draft class, said the team was locked in regardless of Clark’s status. “It’s still Indiana. It’s still a division rival. Whether she plays or not, we’ve got to bring it,” Reese said. “But yeah, not having to chase Caitlin Clark around for 40 minutes? That definitely changes your legs a little bit.”
While Clark’s offensive brilliance is what garners headlines, her competitive fire and leadership have also drawn praise. Fever head coach Christie Sides has often spoken about Clark’s willingness to learn, to take on criticism, and to rally teammates in tight moments. Weatherspoon acknowledged that leadership void as another element that could affect Indiana’s chemistry.
“When your leader’s out, it hits differently,” she said. “That voice in the huddle, the one that’s telling you to push, to stay focused—that’s invaluable. Someone else will have to step up. And that’s hard, especially when the team is still learning how to gel.”
Clark’s injury—if it proves to sideline her for even one game—will be a critical test of the Fever’s depth and identity. Are they a team buoyed by one transcendent talent, or can they adjust and remain competitive in her absence? The WNBA, more than ever, is a league of adjustments. And Chicago is already proving itself to be one of the savviest teams at reading the moment and responding accordingly.
Weatherspoon’s tenure with the Sky has so far been marked by growth and accountability. Taking over a team in transition, she’s instilled a defensive identity and a gritty toughness that mirrors her own playing style. But even with that mindset, she recognizes that certain matchups are dictated more by individual brilliance than scheme.
“You don’t want to say you’re relieved when someone like Caitlin doesn’t play, because as a competitor, you want to beat the best,” she said. “But we’d be lying if we said it doesn’t make life a little easier. The rotations are quicker, the recovery is tighter, and you’re not chasing a ghost around screens all night.”
There’s also the matter of how Clark’s absence affects the fan experience. Her games routinely draw record-breaking viewership numbers, spike ticket sales, and boost WNBA visibility across markets. Even in opposing arenas, she’s a box office magnet. Reese noted that too. “People show up because of her. She moves the needle,” Reese said. “And when she’s not on the floor, it’s a different vibe. It’s still basketball, but the buzz isn’t the same.”
Weatherspoon agreed. “She’s good for the league, plain and simple. So when she’s not there, everybody feels it—from the players to the fans to the broadcasters. But that’s also part of sports. Next woman up.”
If there’s one silver lining for the Sky, it may be the chance to test themselves against Indiana’s system rather than its superstar. It’s an opportunity to force other Fever players into uncomfortable roles and see how well they adapt. For a Chicago team trying to build its own identity with rising stars like Reese, Dana Evans, and Marina Mabrey, that’s valuable experience.
Still, as the game draws nearer, there’s a sense that anything could change. Clark, known for her toughness, could still suit up, tape an ankle, and play through pain. And if she does, the Sky will be ready.
“We’re preparing like she’s going to play,” Weatherspoon said firmly. “You have to. You never underestimate someone like that. Because the moment you do, she’s putting 30 on you and waving to the crowd.”
Until the official lineups are announced, Chicago will walk the line between contingency planning and business as usual. Whether Caitlin Clark plays or not, the Sky know they’re in for a battle. But if she doesn’t, they also understand the unique opportunity—and responsibility—of facing a Fever squad missing its brightest star.
“It’s not about catching a break,” Weatherspoon concluded. “It’s about respecting the game. And the game doesn’t wait for anyone—not even Caitlin Clark.”
And so, with tipoff approaching, all eyes remain fixed on the Fever’s bench, waiting to see if the player who’s already changed the face of women’s basketball will once again rise to the occasion—or take a moment to heal. Either way, Coach Weatherspoon and the Sky are prepared. Because in this league, the moment you let your guard down, someone else is ready to take the spotlight.
