Call it a clash of extremes. One team chasing dominance, the other chasing consistency. The Lynx, riding high at 13-2, sit atop the league with a near-perfect rhythm. Whereas, the Fever, despite having the luxury of Caitlin Clark on their roster, are stuck at .500 and still trying to find their way this season. And now, for the first time this season, these two will meet with momentum and pride on the line. Especially for veteran forward Natasha Howard. Because she just headed back to the Fever after playing for Wings, Liberty, Storm, and even tonight’s competitors, Lynx, with whom she won a championship. But are the big guns playing?

The Fever was her first team (drafted in 2014 at no. 5 overall), or as she likes to call it, the place “where all my dreams came true.” Moreover, the Fever franchise’s first order of business this season was to bring Howard back. “I think it was Day 1 when I got this job, Kelly and I were on the phone, and we had two things on our to-do list: re-sign Kelsey Mitchell and bring back Natasha Howard,” Cox said. And now, with DeWanna Bonner’s exit and Caitlin Clark’s injury, the whole pressure to guide falls on Howard.

Now, let’s break it down. If the Fever’s homecoming storyline has the fire to dethrone the league leaders, Lynx, or if Minnesota’s dominance is simply too much to crack…

Where to watch?

The Minnesota Lynx are scheduled to battle against the Indiana Fever. This high-voltage encounter is on July 1, 2025, at 20:00 ET / 17:00 PT. It will take place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, NBA TV, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). Whereas viewers who are willing to opt. for streaming services, this game can be watched using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, YouTube TV.

Injury Report

Indiana Fever

• Caitlin Clark: Day to Day(Groin injury)
• Damiris Dantas: Out (Contract suspended)

Caitlin Clark’s sidelining came as a shock after a groin injury struck her as she picked up in the win over the Seattle Storm. Since then, she has missed two games, against the Sparks and the Wings, respectively, despite being listed as day-to-day then. “I feel good, I’m gonna be day-to-day from here on out, and doing everything I can to put myself in a position to play the next game every single time,” Clark said after practice. The Fever will certainly miss Clark’s service if she does not make her comeback before the Championship.

Whereas, Damiris Dantas has headed to Brazil for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup tournament. The Fever were already expecting her to miss four games between June 25-July 8.

Minnesota Lynx

• No injuries reported (Healthy roster)

Predicted Starting Lineup

Indiana Fever

• Natasha Howard
• Aliyah Boston
• Kelsey Mitchell
• Aari McDonald
• Lexi Hull

If the Fever are able to replicate their last outing, expect Kelsey Mitchell (32 PTS, 7 AST, 6-8 FT) to again be their offensive engine. While Aliyah Boston (21 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST) could anchor the paint with quiet dominance. Natasha Howard (15 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL) looks poised for a revenge-game impact against her former team. Off the bench, Sophie Cunningham (+15 against Wings) will bring smart spacing, while Makayla Timpson will add boards in short spurts.

Minnesota Lynx

• Bridget Carleton
• Alanna Smith
• Napheesa Collier
• Kayla McBride
• Courtney Williams

If the Lynx play the Suns out without injury and stay hot like they did last game, we can expect Napheesa Collier (26 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST vs Atlanta) to continue dominating on both ends. Kayla McBride (18 PTS, 6-6 FT) will likely be the clutch scorer again, while Bridget Carleton could remain red-hot from deep (4-4 3PT). Off the bench, Karlie Samuelson (6 PTS, +9) will add instant spacing and hustle. Jessica Shepard’s all-around effort (4 REB, 4 AST) should also quietly anchor the second unit.

How Things Can Go Down, Lynx vs. Fever?

First things first, ESPN’s analytics predicts a 72.6% chance of the Lynx’s win. And we think that might be spot on. Because Minnesota is absolutely dominating this season. They have the best defense in the league and a better shooting efficiency (46.5% FG). Moreover, with Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith by their side, the Lynx are averaging more assists, steals, and blocks than the Fever.

Meanwhile, Indiana has been inconsistent. Though they have picked up a win against the Wings, they also dropped three out of their last five. It includes two double-digit losses to Golden State and L.A. Plus, the Fever’s defense has struggled to contain high-scoring teams. That’s exactly what Minnesota thrives on.

Put simply, if the Lynx play like the top-seed they are, they should control the tempo, share the ball better, and close stronger. Fever has heart and recent momentum, but the Lynx have numbers, depth, and execution. However, the Fever does have the tendency to break winning streaks, just like they did to the Liberty, so stay tuned in.