Caitlin Clark officially ruled out of huge matchup against Paige Bueckers

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been suffering through several injuries to begin the 2025 season, and unfortunately, a new injury has landed her out of a much-anticipated matchup between herself and Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers.

The news, which was shared by the team and Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, marks the second game in a row that Clark would be missing for the team and her seventh total game missed this season. Indiana is already 2-4 without her on the floor, and now, they'll be trying to find offense outside of Clark once again against a struggling Wings squad.

Friday night's game between the Wings and Fever is the first game between the two teams in the regular season so far, and there was a ton of anticipation around seeing Clark and Bueckers face off with one another for the first time since their college days.

Historically, Bueckers has bested Clark when they've faced off statistically, but Iowa and UConn traded blows throughout the times the two were in the NCAA Tournament.

Clark to miss game against Paige Bueckers

The matchup between Clark and Bueckers was anticipated to draw such a big crowd in Dallas that the game was moved to American Airlines Arena, which has been common practice for teams this season and last when facing off with the Fever and Clark. Despite her not playing, it should still be a fun one between two squads looking to get back on track in the standings.

Bueckers would have likely drawn the defensive assignment on Clark with DiJonai Carrington also out for this contest with a rib injury, but now, Bueckers will probably be defending one of Aari McDonald or Sydney Colson for the contest as head coach Stephanie White continues to experiment with her lineups sans Clark.

READ MORE: Fever are missing out on golden opportunity to stay alive in standings

Dallas is 4-12 on the season, as they've struggled to also figure out rotations around Bueckers and guard Arike Ogunbowale that unlocks both of their strengths consistently. Additionally, the lack of a true post presence has been Dallas' downfall, although the team's trade for Li Yueru seems to have been their attempt to address that issue.

Former Fever forward Nalyssa Smith will be facing off with Indiana for the first time since landing with Dallas this offseason, while it's a homecoming for Natasha Howard who played with the Wings for two seasons prior to signing with Indiana.