WNBA Preview: Washington Mystics (5-17) vs Indiana Fever (9-13)

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Indiana Fever logo

One question entering Wednesday afternoon’s game between the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever is what’s next on Caitlin Clark’s to-do list?

The Fever guard will try to build on the first triple-double by a WNBA rookie when the teams meet for a matinee in Indianapolis.

“I take a lot of pride in being able to do a lot of different things for this team,” said Clark, who’s just a few months removed from a standout college career for Iowa.

The Fever (9-13) rode Clark’s big production — 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds — in Saturday’s 83-78 victory against the New York Liberty in the opener of a three-game homestand.

Clark has led the Fever in scoring in only three of the past nine games, but Indiana is 6-3 in those outings.

The Mystics (5-17) will be wrapping up a four-game road stretch, trying to snap a two-game skid after Saturday’s 74-67 loss at Minnesota.

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough has led Washington in scoring in all three games of the road swing.

Clark’s 16.1 points per game are second on the Fever behind Kelsey Mitchell (16.5). Clark also ranks second in the league with 7.4 assists per game.

Sides said the timing among the Fever players is improving. That has made Clark’s teammates better prepared for some of her passes in recent games.

The Mystics came out of their most recent game with a long injury report. That included Emily Engstler sitting out with an illness along with Shakira Austin (hip), Brittney Sykes (foot) and Karlie Samuelson (hand) all missing the game.

Indiana has defeated the Mystics twice this season, aided by Clark’s 30 points in a June 7 road victory and then benefiting from forward Aliyah Boston’s 22 points in winning 88-81 in the June 19 rematch at home.

The teams will meet again in the regular-season finale in September.

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Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.