Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever is one of three games on the WNBA slate for Friday. One team is on the second leg of a back-to-back, while the other is playing in their first matchup since the Olympics break.
The Mercury had three players suit up for Team USA in Paris and had to play on the first night the regular season resumed. They faced off against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky Thursday, winning by a final score of 85-65.
As for the Fever, this is their first game in over a month due to the hiatus. Caitlin Clark will return to action as she looks to end her rookie campaign on a strong note.
Looking at the standings, both of these teams are trying to remain in the playoff picture. Phoenix is in sixth place with a 14-12 record, while the Fever are one spot below it in seventh at 11-15.
Coming out of the gates strong will be important for Indiana, as it only has a half-game lead over the eighth-place Sky. The team's margin for error is small if they want to land a postseason berth this year.
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever: Starting lineups and depth charts:
Phoenix Mercury starting lineup and depth chart
Seeing that they just played last night, the Mercury should be expected to stick with the same starting lineup. Against the Sky, they opened with a unit of Kahlea Cooper, Sophie Cunningham, Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and Natasha Cloud.
Here is a snapshot of the Mercury's depth chart:
Indiana Fever starting lineup and depth chart
Even though the Fever have been out of action for a month, their starting lineup should remain the same from before the break. Indiana has typically opened games with the five-woman unit of Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Katie Lou Samuelson, Aliyah Boston and MaLyssa Smith.
Before they begin their final stretch of the regular season, here is a breakdown of the Fever's depth chart:
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever: Where to watch
For those looking to tune into Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever, tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
In regards to viewing options, this game will be broadcast on TV on the Ion network. The action can also be streamed in certain areas via WNBA League Pass.
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever: Head-to-head record
This season, the Fever have had a lot of success against Phoenix. They enter Friday's matchup looking to complete the season series sweep.
Indiana first squared off against the Mercury on June 30, winning 88-82. Two weeks later, the Fever picked a 95-86 victory to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the season series.