Clark to return vs. Valkyries after 5-game absence

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will return to the lineup Wednesday against the Golden State Valkyries barring any regression, head coach Stephanie White told reporters Tuesday, including Chloe Peterson of The Indianapolis Star.

Clark's missed the last five games with a strained left groin and was sidelined for five contests earlier this season with a strained quadriceps.

Indiana went 3-2 during Clark's most recent absence, including a Commissioner's Cup victory over the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx.

"I hope to play a decent amount. Maybe upper 20s (minutes)," Clark told reporters Tuesday, including Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files. "I guess it just depends how I feel and how the game goes and what the team needs."

She added: "I'm gonna try not to overdo it as well and put myself in a good position moving forward."

Clark's averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, five boards, and 1.6 steals across nine appearances.

The Iowa product will start and serve as one of two captains for the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19.

Indiana is tied for sixth in the league standings with a 9-9 record.