The Indiana Fever might just get the boost they need. The team is begging for some inspiration to go from ‘pretty good’ to a genuine title contender. While the Fever has improved in the past few games, winning 3 out of their past 5 games, the team needs their phenom, Caitlin Clark, to move to the next level in their development. 

Clark has been out since June 24 with a left groin injury, missing five games on the trot. There was some good news for the Fever camp as the point guard participated in the 5-on-5 portion of practice for the first time since she suffered the injury. Fever truly needs her as they failed to close out their last game against the Los Angeles Sparks, losing 89-87. The team led for the first two quarters, but the Sparks bounced back in the final two. The Fever did keep up but failed to score in the final minute, and the Sparks capitalized to take home the winner title. 

The Fever is next coming up against the team that they lost to while traveling to their fortress in the Bay Area. The Golden State Valkyries are coming off a forgettable game against the Dream, where the ball seemed to be slipping away as they conceded 27 points off turnovers. Both teams have a similar record so far and will be looking to get back to winning ways. Clark’s return might just be the turning point for the Fever, but will she be fit and ready to face off against the Valks? Let’s find out. 

Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever: Injury Report

The Caitlin Clark situation is still a little hazy. Stephanie White is in no mood to rush things, as she recently told the reporters. 

“I hope so,” White said when asked if Clark would play against the Valkyries on Wednesday. “The same structure, I would say, return to play structure as we have been doing. She gets to do a little bit more, and then we see tomorrow: is there progress, or is there any regression? How does she feel? How does she look? What does recovery look like? And so this was really the first time we’ve been able to get around as live action. So, we’ll see what it brings tomorrow.”

Other than Clark, the team has no other names on the injury list, as Damiris Dantas is also expected to return from international duty. Their opponents, Golden State Valkyries, also have a fully fit roster as well, so we can expect a tight contest between the two sides. 

Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever: Predicted Lineups

Indiana Fever (9-9):

Natasha Howard

Aliyah Boston

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Kelsey Mitchell

Aari McDonald

Lexie Hull

Golden State Valkyries (9-9):

Kayla Thornton

Monique Billings

Temi Fagbenle

Tiffany Hayes

Veronica Burton

Indiana Fever vs Golden State Valkyries: Preview and Prediction

Indiana has been riding mostly an offensive high this season, averaging 84.1 points per game, nearly six more than the 78.2 points the Valkyries typically allow. That scoring edge has paid off, with the Fever going 9-5 in games where they cross that 78.2 threshold. Interestingly, the Valkyries, who average 79.1 points per game- the same number Indiana tends to give up – have a 7-1 record when they manage to score more than that.

Over their last 10 games, Indiana has slightly dipped from their season scoring average, putting up 83.7 points per game, while their defense has softened, giving up 81.3. Even as the Fever fire more shots from deep in recent games (8.0 made threes compared to 7.9 on the season), their accuracy has taken a slight hit, dropping from 34.4% to 33.5%. Now, if their defense crumbles, things could change in an instant. That is what happened during their last matchup with the Valkyries. Still and all, ESPN’s match predictor gives Indiana a 74% chance of winning.

But again, if the Valkyries show why they are ranked higher than Indiana in defense, it will be a night to forget for the Gainbridge fans.