WNBA Game Preview: Los Angeles Sparks (5-13) vs. Indiana Fever (9-8)

Game Overview
Venue	Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Time	7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
Broadcast	NBA TV, WTHR, Fever Direct
Win Probability	Fever 71.1% – Sparks 28.9%

Recent Form

Indiana Fever (9–8)

Streak: 3-game win streak

Last 5: W–W–W–L–W

Notable Wins:

81–54 vs. Las Vegas Aces

Commissioner’s Cup win over Minnesota Lynx

Key Absence: Caitlin Clark (groin injury – out for 5th straight game)

Los Angeles Sparks (5–13)

Streak: 2-game losing streak

Last 5: L–L–W–L–L

Only Recent Win: 85–75 comeback vs. Indiana on June 26

Tactical Breakdown

Indiana Fever

Offensive Rating: 84.0 (2nd in WNBA)

Defensive Rating: 79.3 (4th in WNBA)

Strengths:

Elite frontcourt play from Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard

Balanced scoring even without Clark

Key Players:

Kelsey Mitchell: 23.0 PPG over last 3 games, 17.9 PPG on the season

Aliyah Boston: 17.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG during win streak

Natasha Howard: 3 straight double-doubles

Los Angeles Sparks

Offensive Rating: 81.3 (7th)

Defensive Rating: 87.3 (11th)

Strengths:

High pace (3rd in WNBA)

Star power in backcourt

Key Players:

Kelsey Plum: 20.1 PPG, 5.7 APG – primary scoring threat

Dearica Hamby: 16.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG – inside presence

Azura Stevens: 14.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG – versatile forward

Key Matchups

Matchup	Edge
Kelsey Mitchell vs. Kelsey Plum	Even – both elite scorers
Boston/Howard vs. Hamby/Stevens	Fever – more consistent rebounding and rim protection
Bench Depth	Fever – McDonald and Cunningham have stepped up in Clark’s absence

X-Factor

Aari McDonald (Fever): With Clark sidelined, McDonald’s energy and perimeter defense will be crucial. She had 14 points in the last meeting vs. LA.

Rickea Jackson (Sparks): If she can stretch the floor and hit timely shots, LA could keep it close.