WNBA Game Preview: Indiana Fever (21-19) vs. Phoenix Mercury (25-14)

Game Overview

• Date & Time: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Tip-off 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT
• Venue: PHX Arena (formerly Footprint Center), 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
• Broadcast: NBA TV (national), WTHR‑13 (Indianapolis), AZFamily & Merc+ (Phoenix), WNBA League Pass

Weather Report (Phoenix, AZ – Game Time)

• Conditions: Hot, dry desert evening
• Temperature: ~98°F (37°C) outside at tip-off
• Wind: Calm
• Impact: Indoor, climate‑controlled arena — no effect on play, but fans should hydrate if attending pre‑game events outdoors

Injury Report

Indiana Fever

• Caitlin Clark (G) – Out (groin)
• Sophie Cunningham (F) – Out for season (knee)
• Aari McDonald (G) – Out for season (foot)
• Sydney Colson (G) – Out for season (knee)
• Chloe Bibby (F) – Out (undisclosed)

Phoenix Mercury

• Kalani Brown (C) – Out (undisclosed)
• Otherwise healthy rotation

Recent Form

Phoenix Mercury

• Aug 30: W 80–63 vs New York
• Aug 27: W 82–70 @ Las Vegas
• Aug 24: L 76–85 @ Dallas
• Aug 22: W 87–79 vs Connecticut
• Aug 20: W 95–60 vs Indiana

Indiana Fever

• Aug 31: L 63–75 @ Golden State
• Aug 28: W 89–63 vs Washington
• Aug 25: W 81–79 vs Connecticut
• Aug 23: L 62–78 @ Atlanta
• Aug 20: L 85–91 vs Chicago

Key Player Matchups

Kelsey Mitchell (IND) vs. Kahleah Copper (PHX)

• Mitchell: 20.3 PPG, 45.3% FG, 2.5 3PM/game — primary scorer with Clark out.
• Copper: 16.3 PPG, 2.1 3PM/game — 5 of last 7 games over 15.5 points; 22 points in last meeting vs. IND.

Aliyah Boston (IND) vs. Satou Sabally (PHX)

• Boston: 15.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG — double‑double threat, needs to dominate glass for Fever to compete.
• Sabally: 16.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG — versatile forward, also a defensive disruptor (1.3 SPG).

Alyssa Thomas (PHX) vs. Fever Frontcourt

• Thomas: 15.8 PPG, 9.2 APG, 8.9 RPG — triple‑double threat, initiates much of PHX offense.

Series History

• 2025 Season: Tied 1–1 — Fever won at home; Mercury won 95–60 in Phoenix.
• Last 10 Meetings: Mercury lead 6–4.
• Venue Note: Phoenix 14–6 at home this season; Indiana 10–10 on road.

Betting Trends

Indiana Fever

• 3–7 ATS last 10 games
• 1–5 ATS last 6 road games
• Over is 5–2 in last 7 games
• 5–1 ATS in last 6 vs. Phoenix

Phoenix Mercury

• 5–2 ATS last 7 games
• 6–1 SU last 7 games
• Under in 5 straight games
• 15–8 ATS in last 23 vs. Indiana

Suggested Wagering Model

Model Inputs:

• Phoenix’s top‑5 defense (79.6 PPG allowed) vs. Indiana’s shorthanded offense without Clark
• Mercury’s home dominance (14–6) and current 4‑game win streak
• Fever’s road ATS struggles and recent scoring dip (≤85 points in 3 of last 4)
• Phoenix’s recent Under trend (5 straight) vs. market total of 165.5