The Indiana Fever (17-16) are on a hot streak as they prepare to kick off a six-game homestand against the Los Angeles Sparks (7-25), who sit at the bottom of the WNBA standings.
Since the Olympic break, Indiana has won six out of their last seven games and holds an impressive 8-2 record over their past ten games, tying with championship contenders New York and Minnesota.
The Fever boasts the highest-scoring backcourt duo in the league, featuring Kelsey Mitchell, who averages 19.0 points per game for the season and 26.7 since the break, along with Caitlin Clark at 18.7 points per game, increasing to 24.6 post-break. Additionally, All-Star Aliyah Boston contributes 13.4 points and 9.0 rebounds, while NaLyssa Smith adds 11.1 points and 7.5 rebounds.
Conversely, the Sparks have struggled, losing eight of their last nine games, although their lone win during this stretch was against the top-ranked New York Liberty. Dearica Hamby is leading LA with 17.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Rookie Rickea Jackson chips in 12.6 points (with 37.2% shooting from beyond the arc), and Azura Stevens adds 10.5 points and 5.9 rebounds.
The Fever will take to the court today at 7 p.m. ET, September 4, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Fans can watch the game on CBS Sports Network or WALV in Indianapolis, with streaming available on Fubo (offering a free trial).
Currently, the Fever are positioned sixth in the 12-team league, just one game ahead of the Phoenix Mercury and 2.5 games behind the Seattle Storm, one of the five teams that have already secured a playoff berth. Eight teams qualify for the WNBA playoffs.
As of September 1, the WNBA standings reveal the following teams have clinched playoff spots: New York (27-6), Connecticut (24-8), Minnesota (24-9), Las Vegas (20-12), and Seattle (19-13). The Fever are currently ranked above the Phoenix Mercury (16-17), Chicago Sky (11-21), Atlanta Dream (11-21), Washington Mystics (9-23), Dallas Wings (9-23), and Los Angeles Sparks (7-25).
Caitlin Clark has been a standout player for the Fever, averaging 18.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.6 rebounds across 33 games, with a shooting percentage of 34.1% from three-point range and an impressive 89.7% from the free-throw line.
Fans can find Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark merchandise, including jerseys and gear, available for purchase. Tickets for Fever games can also be obtained online, providing an opportunity to see Clark and her teammates in action.