All eyes are on the Indiana Fever as usual. The most-watched team in the WNBA is on its way to a Commissioner’s Cup Championship appearance and a playoff berth. The Los Angeles Sparks have considerably less hype and fewer reasons to be excited.
The Sparks are 4-11 and fading out of the playoff picture with each passing day. Kelsey Plum has been a huge addition, sometimes making the offense passable. Still, this team sorely misses the presence of Cameron Brink. Los Angeles has the third-worst defensive rating in the league. You can’t get by with defense this poor in a physical and skilled league, so the Sparks have a long road ahead to get back to contention.
Indiana feels ready to contend. Caitlin Clark’s offensive talent can take them far, but it’s not a one-woman show. Aliyah Boston is taking a significant leap offensively and continues to control the paint defensively. Kelsey Mitchell has proven to be a great Robin to Caitlin’s Batman on offense, Natasha Howard is an excellent fit in the frontcourt and Lexie Hull plays her role very well. The Fever could surprise a lot of folks in an Eastern Conference that is ripe for a shake-up.
The Fever are 10.5-point favorites at home and are -535 on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 172 points. Let’s look at the best bets and predictions for this contest.
Editor’s Note: Fever G Caitlin Clark (groin) has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Sparks.
Fever vs. Sparks Prediction
The gap between these two teams is significant. Indiana has one of the best offenses and defenses in the league, plus top-end star talent, great role players and depth. They have it all.
The Sparks don’t have the same luxuries. Their best hope is for Plum to save their offense while Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby put the rest together. It’s a formula that can deliver wins against the lower-tier teams, but not against an opponent as good as the Indiana Fever.
Fever vs. Sparks Pick
Indiana Fever -10.5 (-110)
This is a hefty spread, but one I’m confident that Indiana can cover. They’ve got the pace and offensive talent to blow this Sparks defense out of the water, and their personnel are well positioned to contain Kelsey Plum.
Lexie Hull should spend a lot of time chasing Plum around. If not her, Kelsey Mitchell can do enough to direct her. The real challenge for Plum is what’s waiting for her in the paint. One of the most frequent drivers with the ball in the WNBA, Plum will have to finish over and around Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard. That’s a tall task for anyone.
Indiana is the better team and matches up very well with the Sparks. This one could be a blowout in the basketball state.
