The Indiana Fever host the Atlanta Dream on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This is the fourth meeting of the season between these teams, with Atlanta winning two of the first three. Tip-off is set for 7:30PM ET.
Atlanta enters at 12-7 and sits second in the East, while Indiana is 9-10 and fourth. Atlanta won the last game between the teams on June 10 by a score of 77-58. Indiana is coming off a rough home loss to Golden State, while the Dream just beat the same team earlier this week.
Fever Preview – Looking for a Response at Home
The Fever struggled in their last game, shooting under 31% in an 80-61 loss to Golden State. They did grab 47 rebounds but couldn’t get their offense moving. Caitlin Clark finished with 10 points and 6 assists in that loss.
Indiana has gone 5-6 at home this season and is trying to stay above .500 overall. Kelsey Mitchell scored 12 points on just 3-of-13 shooting last game. The Fever offense ranks near the bottom of the league in field goal percentage and three-point shooting.
Aliyah Boston added 6 points and 6 rebounds last time out but was held in check for most of the game. Indiana’s defense has been better, ranking third in points allowed at 78.2 per game. The challenge for Indiana will be finding scoring balance beyond Clark and Mitchell, who have carried much of the load.
Dream Preview – Starting a Big Road Trip Strong
Atlanta opened a long road trip with momentum after a 90-81 win over Golden State. Allisha Gray scored 24 points, and Naz Hillmon added 16 off the bench. The Dream are now 4-4 on the road this year and looking to improve that record.
The Dream shoot often, ranking first in field goal attempts per game and second in three-point attempts. Even though they are only 10th in three-point percentage, their rebounding and low turnover rate help extend possessions. Atlanta is second in the league in rebounds at 37.3 per game and commits just 11.8 turnovers per game.
Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada each contributed in the win over Golden State. Howard scored 15 points and had 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Canada added 9 assists and 3 steals. Atlanta’s ability to spread the floor and get open shots has helped them win five of their last seven games.
Betting Prediction
Indiana is favored by 1.5 points at home, but the Dream have played better across the season and lead the season series. Atlanta has covered the spread in both of their wins against the Fever and blew them out in the last meeting. The Dream’s efficient offense and edge on the boards give them an edge again here.
The total sits at 168.5. Atlanta games have hit the over often this season, but Indiana is struggling to score. Two of their three matchups have stayed under the total. A projected final score of Atlanta 83, Indiana 76 seems likely if the Fever can’t find their shooting rhythm again.
Pick: Atlanta +1.5
