India, May 3 -- Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark missed the high-intensity WNBA preseason game vs the Washington Mystics on Saturday, putting her team is a massive disadvantage. With about five minutes left in the first half, the Mystics led the hosts 33-21 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Ahead of Saturday's game, Fever announced that Clark was out due to a left leg injury. The 23-year-old was initially listed as questionable on the injury report.

Clark described the issue as 'just a little tightness', and reports indicated she participated in practice earlier that week, suggesting the decision to sit her out was likely precautionary, especially given the game was in the preseason and the team had a scheduled back-to-back, including a high-profile game the next day against the Brazilian National Team in Iowa.

It seems like Indiana's management may have prioritized her long-term health over playing her in an exhibition match.

There's no definitive evidence of any other underlying reason beyond the reported injury and precautionary rest.

Clark has been listed as questionable for the away game against Atlanta Dream on Sunday.