The New York Liberty travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to face the Indiana Fever in a highly anticipated early-season matchup. The Liberty, fresh off their WNBA championship season, have started 2-0, while the Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, are 2-1 and looking to make a statement against the defending champions.
Game Overview
- Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
- Broadcast: CBS
Team Breakdown
New York Liberty (2-0, 1st in Eastern Conference)
- Last Game: 99-74 win vs. Chicago Sky
- Key Players:
- Breanna Stewart – Averaging 18.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, coming off a 25-point performance.
- Sabrina Ionescu – A sharpshooter, averaging 16.0 PPG, 6.0 APG.
- Natasha Cloud – Leading the team with 20.0 PPG, 8.5 APG, shooting 55.6% from three.
Indiana Fever (2-1, 2nd in Eastern Conference)
- Last Game: 81-76 win vs. Atlanta Dream
- Key Players:
- Caitlin Clark – Leading the Fever with 17.7 PPG, 8.3 APG, already making an impact.
- Aliyah Boston – A defensive force, averaging 15.7 PPG, 9.3 RPG, leading the league in blocks.
- Natasha Howard – Coming off a season-high 26-point performance, shooting 70.6% from the field.
Key Matchups & Storylines
1. Liberty’s Championship Pedigree vs. Fever’s Rising Stars
New York enters as the defending champions, while Indiana is looking to prove they belong among the league’s elite. Can Clark and Boston rise to the challenge?
2. Stewart vs. Boston – Battle in the Paint
Boston leads the WNBA in blocks per game, while Stewart is one of the most versatile scorers in the league. This matchup could dictate the game’s pace.
3. Caitlin Clark’s Playmaking vs. Liberty’s Defense
Clark leads the WNBA in assists per game, but New York boasts three All-Defensive Team players in Stewart, Cloud, and Jonquel Jones. Can Clark find openings against their defense?
4. Liberty’s Three-Point Shooting vs. Fever’s Perimeter Defense
New York is shooting 38.5% from deep, while Indiana ranks third in defensive rating. If the Liberty get hot from beyond the arc, they could take control early.
5. Fever’s Home-Court Advantage
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is expected to be packed, with fans eager to see Clark take on the defending champions. Can Indiana use the energy to fuel an upset?
Prediction & X-Factors
- Likely Outcome: A competitive game with New York favored due to their depth and championship experience.
- X-Factors:
- Clark’s ability to break down New York’s defense – If she finds open looks, Indiana has a chance.
- Liberty’s three-point shooting – If Cloud and Ionescu stay hot, New York could pull away.
- Boston’s rim protection – Can she slow down Stewart and Jones inside?
GAME ODDS
New York Liberty – 3.5
Indiana Fever 172
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 23, 2025
