The Phoenix Mercury will face the Indiana Fever on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7 p. m.
in the season series finale. Indiana guard Caitlin Clark will sit out as part of an injury-management rotation scheme.
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Fever head coach Stephanie White revealed the plan to reporter Pat Boylan. Rest will be alternated between Clark and forward Aliyah Boston as both recover from nagging injuries.
Boston missed Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Clark will be sidelined for Thursday's contest against Phoenix during the back-to-back schedule.
The upcoming match leaves Indiana without its leading scorer and playmaker. Clark averaged 21.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 1.5 rebounds against Phoenix this season.
Her absence alters the dynamic of a series that has featured heightened physical play and emotion. Multiple technical fouls were issued across the first two meetings.
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During their previous encounter on June 24, Phoenix earned an 111-109 victory in Indianapolis.
The game included a loose ball play that resulted in Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas receiving a post-game Flagrant 2 foul upgrade and a one-game suspension for contact against Clark.
Both teams have split their previous two games.
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Phoenix holds an opportunity to claim the overall season series and add a final victory before the All-Star break.
