The Indiana Fever, despite the unfortunate absence of their star player Caitlin Clark due to injury, are gearing up for a challenging but potentially rewarding run in the WNBA playoffs. The team has a clear path ahead, and they are determined to make a deep playoff run even without their No. 1 overall pick.

Clark, a phenomenal talent, will undoubtedly be cheering her teammates on from the sidelines as they navigate the postseason bracket. Her presence, even if not on the court, will serve as a significant source of inspiration for the entire team.

The road to the playoffs hasn't been entirely smooth for Clark this season. She's faced physical challenges that sidelined her at various points during the regular season. In total, she participated in just 13 of the Fever's 44 regular season games, highlighting the impact her absence has had on the team's dynamics.

Despite the setbacks, the Indiana Fever managed to secure a playoff berth by finishing sixth in the league standings. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of the entire squad, showcasing their ability to compete even when facing adversity.

Their playoff journey begins with a quarterfinal matchup against the Atlanta Dream. This series promises to be a captivating clash between two determined teams vying for a spot in the next round.

The Atlanta Dream finished the regular season in third place, earning them a higher seed and home-court advantage in the series. This will undoubtedly present a significant challenge for the Fever as they look to advance.

The quarterfinal series follows a best-of-three format, meaning the first team to win two games will advance to the semifinals. Every possession, every play, will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes showdown.

The winner of the Fever-Dream series will face either the second-seeded Las Vegas Aces or the seventh-seeded Seattle Storm in the semifinals. This matchup promises to be equally thrilling, with both potential opponents presenting unique challenges.

The semifinal round shifts to a best-of-five format, increasing the stakes and requiring teams to demonstrate consistency and adaptability over a longer series. This will truly test the depth and resilience of each team.

The WNBA Finals, the ultimate prize, will be a best-of-seven series. This extended format allows for tactical adjustments, strategic counter-moves, and a true demonstration of which team is the most dominant in the league.

On the other side of the playoff bracket, the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx will face the Golden State Valkyries in their opening-round matchup. The Lynx, having dominated the regular season, will be looking to maintain their momentum and advance deep into the playoffs.

The other quarterfinal matchup in that half of the bracket pits the Phoenix Mercury against the New York Liberty. This series features two teams with star power and playoff experience, making it a compelling contest to watch.

The playoff action kicks off on Sunday, with all four Game 1 matchups taking place. This marks the beginning of a thrilling postseason journey, filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.

Games 2 and 3 of the quarterfinal series are scheduled across Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, ensuring a non-stop flow of WNBA playoff action throughout the week. Fans will have plenty of opportunities to witness the drama unfold.

The semifinal series is set to take place from September 21-30, with the WNBA Finals commencing on October 3. This timeline provides a clear roadmap for the remainder of the postseason, allowing fans to anticipate the culminating events.

The Fever undoubtedly carry the hope of going all the way for Clark, dedicating their playoff performance to her recovery and eventual return to the court. They believe they have a legitimate shot at success, even with Clark sidelined.

Candace Parker, a WNBA legend with three championships and two MVP awards to her name, has praised Clark for her mature response to the injury setback. Parker's words carry significant weight, given her extensive experience and understanding of the physical demands of professional basketball.

Parker, at 39, reflected on her own career, stating, "I have been a player that has had a number of injuries, and I think later in my career, especially some of those injuries would have been less or preventable had I listened to my body earlier and taken the time." Her experience provides valuable insight into the importance of prioritizing long-term health over immediate performance.

She continued, "I know it’s difficult to look at the big picture, especially if you’re living with tunnel vision and you’ve worked so hard to get to where you’re at." This highlights the mental challenge athletes face when dealing with injuries, particularly after dedicating years to their craft.

"I’m proud of this generation for taking the time they need to look at the bigger picture, and making sure that they get healthy," Parker concluded. Her words underscore the growing awareness among athletes of the importance of prioritizing their well-being and making informed decisions about their health.

Looking ahead, Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier have been named captains of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, a testament to their popularity and impact on the league. This honor signifies their status as leading figures in the WNBA.

Joining them as All-Stars are some of the league's most talented players, including Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, Brittany Sykes of the Washington Mystics, A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty. These players represent the pinnacle of WNBA talent and will undoubtedly showcase their skills at the All-Star Game.