WNBA Game Preview: Indiana Fever (17-13) vs. Phoenix Mercury (18-11)

Match Overview

This game marks the second meeting between the Fever and Mercury this season. Indiana won the first matchup in a high-scoring thriller, 107–101, led by Aari McDonald’s career-high 27 points and Aliyah Boston’s dominant fourth quarter. Both teams are in playoff contention, with Phoenix currently fourth in the standings and Indiana just 1.5 games behind. A win for the Fever would secure the head-to-head tiebreaker, adding extra weight to this matchup.

Indiana Fever – Team Form & Key Players

Record: 17–13 (9–7 Eastern Conference)

Last Game: Lost 100–91 vs Los Angeles Sparks

Recent Form: 7–3 in last 10 games

Points Per Game: 85.3

Field Goal %: 45.5%

Opponent PPG: 81.4

Top Performers:

Kelsey Mitchell: 21.5 PPG (last 10 games), 38.3% 3PT

Aliyah Boston: 15.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.8 APG

Aari McDonald: 27 points in last game vs Mercury

Sophie Cunningham: 40% 3PT shooting

Injury Report:

Caitlin Clark: Out (groin injury)

Tactical Outlook: Indiana boasts the fourth-best offensive efficiency in the league, even without Clark. Mitchell and Boston anchor the scoring, while McDonald and Cunningham provide perimeter threats. Their defense ranks mid-tier but excels at limiting rim efficiency, which could be key against Phoenix’s aggressive drivers.

Phoenix Mercury – Team Form & Key Players

Record: 18–11 (9–7 Western Conference)

Last Game: Win vs Washington Mystics

Recent Form: 5–5 in last 10 games

Points Per Game: 83.3

Field Goal %: 43.8%

Opponent PPG: 80.4

Top Performers:

Alyssa Thomas: 15.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 9.1 APG

Kahleah Copper: 16.2 PPG, 45.5% 3PT

Satou Sabally: 17.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG

Natasha Mack: Defensive anchor

Injury Report:

No injuries listed

Tactical Outlook: Phoenix thrives on ball movement and paint penetration, led by Thomas’s elite playmaking. Their defense is solid, but they’ll need to contain Mitchell’s perimeter shooting and Boston’s interior presence. Expect Copper and Sabally to stretch Indiana’s defense with their shooting and slashing.