The Indiana Fever are back home after a successful western trip, ready for a four-game homestand starting Wednesday against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Fever sit at 14-9, fifth in the league, while the Valkyries are scorching at 17-7 and riding a seven-game win streak.
Golden State, an expansion team last season, made the playoffs in its first year and has only improved. Adding Gabby Williams in free agency to a roster already featuring Janelle Salaun, Veronica Burton, and Kayla Thornton made them deeper. The Valkyries are one game out of first place, playing with confidence.
The Fever have dealt with injuries to stars Caitlin Clark (back) and Aliyah Boston (lower right leg). Clark continues to manage back issues and will play fewer minutes to avoid aggravating it. Despite that, she started alongside Monique Billings, Boston, Lexie Hull, and Kelsey Mitchell. That unit has gone 8-6 in 14 starts this season.
Golden State’s starting five—Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes, Thornton, Williams, and Cecilia Zandalasini—has started 16 games together, posting an 11-5 record. The teams met twice in late May, splitting the series: Indiana won 90-82 at home, then Golden State took a two-point victory in the Bay Area.
These teams are stylistic opposites. Indiana loves to push the pace, ranking among the league leaders in fast-break points. Golden State prefers a half-court game, dead last in pace but first in 3-point attempts and makes per game, while ranking fifth in 3-point percentage.
Ahead of tipoff, Clark took a moment to shake hands with Lin Dunn, the Fever’s head coach from 2008 to 2014 and now senior advisor. Three Fever players were named All-Star starters: Clark, Boston, and Mitchell. Clark and Boston were picked for Team Teresa Weatherspoon, while Mitchell joined Team Cynthia Cooper. “I love that I got AB with me,” Clark said. “I never want to have to guard Kelsey, so I’m not too excited about that.”
Betting odds from DraftKings reflect the matchup. The total opened at a modest number, but analysts note Indiana has hit the over in 67 percent of its home games. Golden State’s defense is stingy, yet it allowed 90 and 88 points in the two earlier meetings, combining for 172 and 178 points. If the Valkyries get hot from deep, the over could be in play.
Fever head coach Stephanie White and Golden State’s Natalie Nakase will engage in a chess match of contrasting styles. Indiana hopes to win its third straight, while Golden State aims to extend its winning streak to eight. The game is a Commissioner’s Cup contest, adding extra stakes.
