When the season tipped off, many believed the Indiana Fever could be title contenders. Caitlin Clark didn’t shy away from saying her goal was to win a “championship,” and the team’s offseason moves backed that up. But now, 27 games in with a 15-12 record, the hype has cooled off. Even ESPN analysts can’t seem to agree on where the Fever truly stand.

The offseason kicked off for the Fever with some big offseason moves. Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner were the marquee signings for the Fever. These 2 veterans had 5 championships between them and were expected to play a big part for the Fever in the upcoming season. The likes of Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson were also brought in to provide backcourt depth. That’s two boxes ticked off.

But things haven’t exactly gone to plan for the Fever this season. Sure, they won the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, but one of their biggest signings, DeWanna Bonner, has already left to join the Mercury. A huge defensive asset lost for a team already giving up 81.1 points per game, ranking 7th in the league. Add to that Caitlin Clark’s extended absence, and it’s no surprise that doubts are starting to creep in about whether Stephanie White’s side can actually make a deep playoff run.

ESPN’s Andraya Carter and Carolyn Peck were asked whether the Indiana Fever are WNBA contenders or pretenders, and both had interesting takes. “Is Indiana a contender or a pretender? I just put a C, I have them as a contender,” declared Carter confidently. But there was a twist! Her C had an asterisk. When asked about it, she said, “There is an asterisk because Caitlin Clark has to be healthy for them to be a contender.”

Clark has played just 13 games this season and hasn’t been able to replicate the same kind of success she had during her rookie season due to 3 separate injuries involving her quadriceps and groin. Now it goes without saying that she is still one of the best playmakers in the league, and if the Fever want to make a serious playoff run, they’ll need every bit of her 16.5 points and 8.8 assists per game when it matters most.

Peck, on the other hand a completely different take.” I am going with pretender just because of the question mark. You gotta be consistent, and I think getting her back on the floor … yes then I might change my answer, but right now I think pretender, ” she said.

The biggest issue for the Fever this season has been consistency. Coach Stephanie White hasn’t had a fully healthy roster for more than four games all year, and that’s clearly reflected in the results. A 15-12 record doesn’t exactly scream “championship contender.” On top of that, Clark’s recent shooting slump isn’t helping ease concerns, even if she returns soon. So naturally, there are still plenty of question marks hanging over this Fever side.

For now, though, the focus for Coach White and the Fever is taking things one game at a time. Up next? A match against the Dallas Wings! A golden opportunity to get another win and strengthen their grip on a playoff spot!

Can the Indiana Fever continue their good run of form and beat the Dallas Wings?

The Fever currently sit 3 games above .500 and 6th in the table after winning their last 3 games. A huge feat considering how they have always struggled with winning games consistently. Now, with a trip to the American Airlines Center to face the Wings, they’ve got a shot at something they haven’t done all season: win four in a row.

The Wings are one of the struggling teams in the league despite having Paige Bueckers, who has firmly established herself as one of the best players. They sit 11th in the standings with 20 losses. Their defense has been a major issue, giving up 86.5 points per game, one of the worst in the league. All in all, this one does look like a one-sided affair, with ESPN giving the Fever a modest 52.8% chance of coming away with a win.

It will be interesting to see where the Indiana Fever finish their regular season. Their eyes would firmly be on securing a top 4 seed and getting the all important home-court advantage. But will they still be in the title conversation come October? That will certainly be something to keep an eye on.