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The WNBA returns after a four-week break with a full schedule on Friday as the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury go head-to-head. The Fever are seventh in the league (11-15) after losing 101-93 in their last game to the Dallas Wings.
Meanwhile, the Mercury are sixth in the league with a 14-12 record. They beat Angel Reese's Chicago Sky 85-65 on Thursday night and will look to continue in the same vein.
The two teams have faced off twice this season, with the Fever winning both. The Fever trio of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell performed well against the Mercury, scoring in double figures in both outings.
Victory for either team will go a long way towards securing a spot in the playoffs, which means each game matters from now on.
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Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever: Injury reports
Indiana Fever injury report for August 16
Fever coach Christie Sides will be without Temi Fagbenle, who hasn't recovered yet from a thumb injury. She has been doing conditioning work but hasn’t returned to practice yet.
Phoenix Mercury injury report for August 16
In the other camp, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts could name the same starting five as she did the previous night.
The likes of Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud, Kahleah Copper and Sophie Cunningham could all feature in the starting line-up. With Celeste Taylor traded to the Connecticut Sun, players like Mikiah Herbert and Natasha Mack are challenging for starting roles.
Charisma Osborne and Rebecca Allen still remain on the road to recovery following injuries. Allen is expected to miss at least the first few games after the Olympic break, and her return will be evaluated in the coming weeks.
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever: One player to watch
Caitlin Clark
Rookie Caitlin Clark has been vital for the Fever since being drafted. She has featured in all 26 games this campaign, bagging 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game, which makes her the most creative player.
It means Christie Sides will likely rely on Clark to add to that tally as the Fever look to boost their playoff hopes.
