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Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever return to action in the 2024 WNBA season against Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury on Friday. The game will be the Fever’s first since the 2024 Paris Olympic break, while it will be the Mercury’s second game in back-to-back nights after dominating the Chicago Sky.
The Fever will once again be relying on Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Caitlin Clark, who took some time off in the midseason break to recuperate from the wear and tear of the WNBA.
Meanwhile, the Mercury will be anchored by their big three of Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Cooper and Britney Griner, who were all key players in Team USA’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics.
The matchup will also feature the third meeting of Clark and Taurasi, two of the biggest WNBA stars. Clark has been compared to former No. 1 pick Taurasi, 42, as they share a similar style of play.
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Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury game details and odds
The Indiana Fever will host the Mercury at what's expected to be a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The game will be broadcast on ION television and streamed on the WNBA League Pass.
The Fever are slightly favored to win the game, considering that it will be the Mercury’s second road game in as many nights.
Moneyline: Fever (-164) vs Mercury (+134)
Spread: Fever (-3) vs Mercury (+3)
Total (O/U): 173.5 (-110o / -110u)
Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury starting lineups
The Indiana Fever have no major injury concern but will be without Temi Fagbenle due to a right thumb injury, per the team’s announcement. Fagbenle’s injury-riddled campaign continues even after the Olympic hiatus, as she was also sidelined earlier in the season with a foot injury.
Nevertheless, Fever coach Christie Sides is expected to field her usual starting lineup of Caitlin Clark (G), Kelsey Mitchell (G), NaLyssa Smith (F), Katie Lou Samuelson (F) and Aliyah Boston (C).
Meanwhile, Mercury coach Nate Tibetts will be relying once more on his starting lineup of Diana Taurasi (G), Natasha Cloud (G), Rebecca Allen (F), Kahleah Cooper (F) and Brittney Griner (C).
Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury: Prediction
The Fever are the favorites to win, as the Phoenix Mercury could have lost a step from the travel and exhaustion of playing on back-to-back nights. However, a massive game from one of Griner, Taurasi or Cooper cannot be ruled out.
Once again, Caitlin Clark could be pivotal for the Fever, as she will likely be the focal point for the team, especially following a month-long break from the game.
