Fever arena looks shockingly empty after Caitlin Clark scratched hours before tip
Caitlin Clark was unexpectedly scratched from the Indiana Fever's lineup shortly before their game, leading to a noticeably empty arena. Reports suggest her absence may have been due to a back injury or load management, although she was not listed on the injury report prior. The situation raises questions about the impact of Clark's presence on attendance and the WNBA's handling of player injuries.
- ▪Caitlin Clark was scratched from the lineup about 100 minutes before the game against the Portland Fire.
- ▪The Gainbridge Fieldhouse appeared half-empty during the game, which is unusual for a matchup featuring Clark.
- ▪Reports indicated her absence was due to stiffness and soreness, but she was not on the injury report earlier in the week.
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Caitlin Clark Fever arena looks shockingly empty after Caitlin Clark scratched hours before tip Gainbridge Fieldhouse appeared half-empty after Clark was scratched about 100 minutes before tip-off By Zach Dean OutKick Published May 21, 2026 8:57am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Is the WNBA doing enough to support Caitlin Clark's stardom? | The Herd Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are on a 6-1 run, with Clark seemingly running away with the Rookie of the Year award. Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright ask if the WNBA is doing enough to support Clark's rising stardom. Caitlin Clark was scratched from the lineup less than two hours before tip Wednesday night, which apparently gave fans enough time to ... make other plans.
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