The WNBA issued a warning to the Indiana Fever after star Caitlin Clark was omitted from the team's injury report before becoming a late scratch due to back soreness. The league requires teams to report player injuries by 5 p.m. local time the day before games, with Clark's back issue only revealed 100 minutes before tip-off against Portland.

Fever coach Stephanie White explained Clark woke up with stiffness Wednesday and didn't practice Tuesday, instead getting treatment. White defended the decision, noting not every player who misses practice appears on reports since they expected Clark to play. The first public indication of her back concern came just before the Fever's 90-73 victory over the Fire.

Clark has since been listed as probable for Indiana's upcoming game against Golden State. The WNBA's warning signals increased scrutiny on injury reporting protocols, particularly for high-profile players like Clark, whose status significantly impacts viewership and betting markets.