WNBA playoffs are heating up! The Indiana Fever are gearing up to face the Atlanta Dream in Game 2 without star player Caitlin Clark, who suffered a season-ending injury. Despite the setback, Clark is rallying fans to pack Gainbridge Fieldhouse and cheer on her teammates in a win-or-go-home situation. Can the Fever turn the tide?

The WNBA Playoffs Are Set – But Indiana Fever Must Chase Glory Without Caitlin Clark

The stage is set for the 2025 WNBA playoffs, and the Indiana Fever have mapped out their path to a potential championship. However, they’ll have to make the journey without their superstar, Caitlin Clark.

Clark, just 23, was sidelined for the remainder of the season in August after suffering groin and ankle injuries. It’s been a challenging year for the No. 1 overall pick, who also missed stretches of the season due to other physical setbacks, ultimately appearing in only 13 of the Fever’s 44 regular-season games.

Despite Clark’s absence, her teammates rose to the occasion, clinching the sixth seed and punching their ticket to the postseason. The Fever now face a tough quarter-final matchup against the Atlanta Dream, who finished third in the regular season.

The winner of this best-of-three series will move on to face either the powerhouse Las Vegas Aces (second seed) or the Seattle Storm (seventh seed) in the semi-finals, which shift to a best-of-five format. The finals will be a best-of-seven showdown.

On the opposite side of the bracket, the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx will battle the Golden State Valkyries, while the Phoenix Mercury take on the New York Liberty. The playoffs tip off Sunday, with all four Game 1 matchups happening tomorrow. Games 2 and 3 will be played across Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Semi-finals run from September 21-30, with the Finals tipping off October 3.

The Fever’s dream run will be fueled by their desire to win for Clark, who continues to inspire her teammates from the sidelines. Even without their star, Indiana knows they have a real shot at glory.

WNBA legend and three-time champion Candace Parker paid tribute to Clark’s resilience in the face of adversity. “I’ve been through my share of injuries,” Parker, 39, reflected. “Looking back, some could have been prevented if I’d listened to my body and taken time to heal. It’s hard to see the big picture when you’re so focused, but it’s the smart thing to do.”

She added, “I’m proud of this generation for prioritizing their health and making sure they come back stronger.”

The Fever’s journey continues, and the basketball world will be watching to see if they can rise to the challenge and bring home a championship for their injured star.