The Indiana Fever host the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM ET. Both teams enter the game with 9-9 records and are fighting to stay in the playoff picture.
This is the second meeting between these teams this season. Golden State won the first matchup 88-77 back on June 19. Caitlin Clark is expected to return for Indiana after missing more than two weeks with leg injuries.
Fever Preview – Clark Returns to Lineup
Indiana is 10-9 overall and 5-5 at home. The team has had an up-and-down start to the season, in part due to Caitlin Clark missing time. She plans to return for this game and play close to 30 minutes.
Aliyah Boston has led the team during Clark’s absence. She’s averaging 16.6 points and 8.3 rebounds and had 23 points and 12 boards in the Fever’s last game against the Sparks. Kelsey Mitchell continues to produce on the perimeter with 19.3 points per game.
Indiana ranks third in the league in points allowed (78.1) and has been strong defensively at home. The Fever will look to avoid late-game mistakes after missing their last five shots in a two-point loss to Los Angeles on Saturday. With Clark back, they’ll hope for cleaner execution and more scoring balance.
Valkyries Preview – New Team Holding Steady
Golden State is 9-9 in its first WNBA season. The Valkyries were one of the hottest teams in late June, going 7-2 to close the month. However, they’ve dropped two in a row, including a road loss to Atlanta on Monday.
The Valkyries had a 68-64 lead entering the fourth quarter against the Dream but were outscored 26-13 the rest of the way. They finished with 21 turnovers and attempted only nine free throws compared to Atlanta’s 24. Head coach Natalie Nakase noted fatigue and lack of calls as issues in the loss.
Kayla Thornton leads the team in scoring with 14.9 points per game and was just named to her first All-Star Game. Monique Billings has stepped up in the frontcourt, putting up 19 points in the last game. Still, Golden State has struggled on the road with a 2-6 away record and often gives up late runs in close games.
Betting Prediction
Indiana is listed as a -8.5 favorite with the total at 164.5. The Fever are 5-5 at home and have covered in half their games this season. Golden State has not covered well on the road and has a poor record away from home.
This game could be close early, but Indiana’s top-end talent with Clark, Boston, and Mitchell should help them pull away. The Fever will also be looking to even the season series after their 11-point loss in June. With Clark back and playing at home, Indiana is in a good spot to cover.
Pick: Indiana -8.5
