Sparks vs Fever predictions
When the Los Angeles Sparks roll into Gainbridge Fieldhouse, all eyes will be tracking Kelsey Plum to see if she can keep up her consistent scoring pace. Plum has been electric, averaging just over 20 points a game, and she’s proven she can take over on the offensive end when her team needs it most. I’m expecting her to attack the paint early, especially with Azura Stevens controlling the glass and giving the Sparks those crucial second-chance opportunities. Stevens’ rebounding presence can’t be overlooked—if she locks in and grabs eight to ten boards, that’ll go a long way toward keeping LA within striking distance.
Meanwhile, on the Indiana Fever side, the absence of Caitlin Clark due to injury definitely shifts the dynamic a bit, but don’t count out Kelsey Mitchell for a statement night. Mitchell, coming in hot with her 19.3 points per game average, is the kind of player who loves the bright lights—and let’s be real, these head-to-head matchups always bring out her best. With Aliyah Boston holding things down in the paint, rebounding and adding some inside scoring punch, I wouldn’t be surprised if she edges close to a double-double by the end of the night. Someone else for Indiana likely needs to step up on playmaking with Clark out, but they’ve got the depth to fill that gap.
So when it comes down to who I see coming out on top, I’m leaning toward the Fever defending their home court. Los Angeles has shown some grit on the road, but Indiana’s combination of Mitchell’s scoring chops and Boston’s reliability around the rim seems like it’ll be just enough to tip the scale. The Sparks might keep it close, riding high after Hamby’s recent 25-point outburst, but down the stretch, my gut says Indiana finds a way to pull it out in front of an energetic home crowd.
