"If Caitlin Clark can return healthy they've got a puncher's chance" - WNBA analyst advises Fever against tanking with superstar's return looming

The Indiana Fever sit sixth in the WNBA standings with a 19-16 record despite Caitlin Clark's injury woes this season. Some Fever fans want the team to tank with nine games left. However, analyst Robin Lundberg believes Indiana should stay focused and keep fighting.

Lundberg expressed disappointment with fans thinking losing on purpose is good, while also pointing out the Fever's chance of winning it all if Clark fully recovers from her groin injury.

"There are no circumstances in which the Indiana Fever should tank. 1. That's the weakest sh*t in the world after the team has fought to stay alive. 2. If Caitlin Clark can return healthy they've still got a puncher's chance against anyone," Lundberg tweeted.

Robin Lundberg

@robinlundberg

There are no circumstances in which the Indiana Fever should tank. ​1. That’s the weakest sh*t in the world after the team has fought to stay alive. ​2. If Caitlin Clark can return healthy they’ve still got a puncher’s chance against anyone.

The Indiana Fever haven't released an update on Caitlin Clark's status for the rest of the season. Clark has been absent since July 15, when she suffered her second groin strain of the season. She has only played 13 games this season due to four muscle-related injuries.

Indiana's chances of making the playoffs took a hit after Sophie Cunningham suffered a torn MCL in her right knee. She has been ruled out for the rest of the season and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday. She joined Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson on the sidelines.

---

Sophie Cunningham provides update on Caitlin Clark's injury

Sophie Cunningham provides update on Caitlin Clark's injury. (Photo: IMAGN)

Stephanie White has not provided a concrete timeline for Caitlin Clark's return, even though the Fever star has been classified as "day-to-day" for a few games.

On her "Show Me Something" podcast, Sophie Cunningham provided an update on Clark's injury.

"Trying to get her back in game shape is what I think they're trying to do," Cunningham said. "But again, it's literally a day-by-day. I'm not holding out any information. I just literally don't know."

The Fever are in a good position to make the playoffs, but their schedule down the stretch looks brutal. They face the Minnesota Lynx three more times and the Phoenix Mercury once.