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After getting embarrassed in their Thursday home debut, the Indiana Fever will try to be fare better against the New York Liberty in the rematch. Caitlin Clark’s much-awaited first WNBA regular season game in front of a sold-out crowd in Indiana ended in disappointment. The Fever had no answer to Breanna Stewart and the Liberty’s crisp execution on both ends of the floor as they lost 102-66.
“Stewie” reminded everyone that Clark may be the new darling of the crowd, but she remains the MVP. The Fever tried to do everything they could to stop Steward, but they were powerless to do so. New York will look to put on another dominant display for their fans.
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Caitlin Clark hasn’t had a good start to her WNBA career. She struggled against the Connecticut Sun and also versus New York. It will be crucial for her to get off to a much better start or it could be another blowout loss for the Fever.
Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty: Preview, starting lineups and prediction
The Barclays Center will host the rematch between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty on Saturday. ABC will air the game as it happens while SN will cover it locally. Basketball fans can also stream the action by subscribing to the WNBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Fever (+900) vs. Liberty (-1600)
Spread: Fever (+14.0) vs. Liberty (-14.0)
Total (O/U): Fever (o168.5 -110) vs. Liberty (u168.5 -110)
Editor's Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty: Game preview
Caitlin Clark has to set the tone early for the Indiana Fever. In the first quarter against the Liberty, she had two points, three assists and three turnovers.
If she gets to another rocky start, the Fever will likely be down big and unlikely to recover. Indiana simply can’t afford to have an inefficient opening period, as it will be almost impossible for them to bounce back.
Breanna Stewart has to continue her overpowering performances to send an early message to the Fever.
The New York Liberty MVP took whatever Indiana gave her and punished that defense. “Stewie” knows that no one from the Fever can guard her one-on-one, so she should be able to impose herself in the rematch.
If the Fever chooses to send double teams to contain Stewart, expect Sabrina Ionescu to get some open looks early. Ionescu made Indiana pay repeatedly in the first game and could do the same on Saturday.
Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty: Starting lineups, subs and rotation
F - Katie Lou Samuelson, F - Nalyssa Smith, C - Aliyah Boston, PG - Caitlin Clark and SG - Eric Wheeler will start for the Indiana Fever.
Kelsey Mitchell or Temi Fagbenle will get the first chance to relieve one of the starters.
G - Courtney Vandersloot, G - Sabrina Ionescu, C - Jonquel Jones, F - Breanna Stewart and F - Betnijah Laney-Hamilton will open the game for the New York Liberty.
Ivana Dojkic or Nyara Sabally will be the first reserve to take out one of the starters.
Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty: Prediction
Even if Breanna Stewart struggles, beating the New York Liberty will be a tall task for the Indiana Fever. They will still have to contend with Jones, Ionescu, Vandersloot and Laney-Hamilton.
This early in the season, New York’s chemistry is way ahead of what Indiana has shown. The Fever could cover the +14.0 spread if Stewart and Co. take their foot off the gas. Otherwise, it will likely be another beatdown, this time in New York.
