Following their impressive victory in the Commissioner’s Cup against the Minnesota Lynx and a commanding 81-54 win over the Las Vegas Aces, the Indiana Fever are set to host the Los Angeles Sparks in Indianapolis this Saturday. Despite the absence of star player Caitlin Clark, who is sidelined for her fifth consecutive game due to a groin strain, the Fever have demonstrated their ability to excel in high-stakes games. Since Clark's injury, the Fever boast a commendable record of 3-1, with their only loss coming from the Sparks just over a week ago.
Fans eager to follow the action can catch the Los Angeles Sparks vs. Indiana Fever game at the following:
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Time: 7 p.m. ET, Saturday TV: NBA TV, WNBA League Pass (national); WTHR Channel 13, Spectrum SportsNet (in-market) Streaming: Fubo (try for free) In-Person Tickets: Available on StubHubIn their previous encounter, the Indiana Fever held a slim lead over the Los Angeles Sparks for a significant part of the game. However, the Sparks executed a remarkable 26-9 run in the final 5:58, turning the tables and clinching a come-from-behind victory. Key players Azurá Stevens and Kelsey Plum showcased their prowess by scoring a combined total of 26 points in the fourth quarter, while the Fever faced challenges in maintaining their lead with Clark watching from the sidelines.
Despite the setback against the Sparks, the Indiana Fever have proven their resilience. Players such as Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Natasha Howard have stepped up significantly in Clark's absence. Additionally, former Sparks guard Aari McDonald has remained a crucial asset, adapting swiftly despite her tumultuous journey of being signed, cut, and re-signed by the Fever within a span of three weeks.
The Los Angeles Sparks are currently undergoing a transition phase. They have nearly equaled their win total from the previous season and have shown considerable improvement offensively, largely due to the acquisitions of Plum and the rise of Stevens. However, it is evident that the Sparks still have work to do to restore the franchise to its former glory. Their tenacity against top teams cannot be overlooked, as evidenced by their close games against the Phoenix Mercury and their stunning upsets over the Las Vegas Aces and the Fever, both achieved on the road.
Another player to keep an eye on is Julie Vanloo, the Belgian guard recently acquired by the Sparks after being unexpectedly released by the Golden State Valkyries. While she has faced challenges with her shooting this season, her playmaking abilities are exceptional, making her a valuable asset for a team that currently ranks eighth in assists.
This matchup marks the last time this season that the Sparks and Fever will clash in Indianapolis. They are scheduled to meet two more times at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on August 5 and 29.
For fans of the WNBA, this game promises to be an exciting showdown as both teams continue to vie for playoff positioning and prove their mettle on the court.
