The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year has been out of commission for an extended period, which has required other players on the roster to step up. On Tuesday against the Los Angeles Sparks, Clark was forced to sit out again, marking the eighth consecutive game that the groin issue has sidelined her.

A little less than two weeks ago, the Indiana Fever found themselves in a tough spot. They had just been crushed by the reigning champion New York Liberty on either side of the All-Star break to fall to 12-12 and were clinging to one of the final playoff spots.

Riding a 5-game winning streak, the Indiana Fever hope Caitlin Clark’s absence can be a positive in the long run. “While we don’t like it, sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise.” pic.twitter.com/uqlFJs7jbG Clark has been absent from the floor for the past seven games as she recovers from a right groin injury suffered against the Connecticut Sun on July 15.