The Indiana Fever return home Tuesday night to face the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET. This is a rematch from last week, when Washington beat Indiana 83-77 in D.C.
Both teams are trying to recover from recent losses. The Fever have dropped back-to-back games without Caitlin Clark. The Mystics, who are 3-4, have lost four of their last five. Indiana is now 2-4 and still searching for consistency without their top scorer.
Mystics Preview – Veterans and Rookies Leading the Way
Washington beat Indiana last week thanks to strong inside play and fastbreak scoring. They outscored the Fever 48-32 in the paint and 11-0 on the break. Brittney Sykes led the team with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while rookie Kiki Iriafen added 16 points and 8 boards.
In their most recent game, the Mystics shot just 28.4% from the floor in a 22-point loss to the Liberty. They made only 4 of 16 from deep and struggled to find any rhythm on offense. Sykes again led the team with 20 points but needed 18 shots to get there.
Washington is one of the top teams in free throws, ranking first in attempts and makes. They also lead the league in fourth-quarter scoring at 21.4 points. However, they rank last in turnovers and steals, which limits their transition scoring chances.
Fever Preview – Injuries Continue to Impact the Rotation
Indiana is missing Caitlin Clark again with a quad injury. Her replacement Sydney Colson is also day-to-day with a leg injury, and backup Sophie Cunningham is banged up. The team signed Aari McDonald to help with depth in the backcourt.
Despite the injuries, the Fever nearly pulled out a win over Connecticut last game. They rallied from 15 down in the fourth but lost 85-83. Aliyah Boston led the way with 17 points and 8 assists, and Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell combined for 25 points.
The Fever have shown strong starts, leading the WNBA in first-quarter scoring at 16.6 points. But their defense gives up a league-high 22.7 in the same stretch. They also rank last in turnovers and offensive rebounding, which puts pressure on their halfcourt sets.
Betting Prediction
The Fever are -5 favorites at home with the total set at 161.5. They have played better at home, but they are dealing with key injuries. Washington has already beaten them once without Clark in the lineup and matches up well with size and pace.
With both teams struggling from three, expect more scoring inside. The Mystics are strong in the paint and on free throws. Indiana’s early-game scoring gives them a chance to build a lead, but the Mystics’ late-game production could keep it close again. Look for another tight game under the total.
Pick: Mystics +5 / Under 161.5
