The Indiana Fever are set to play the Washington Mystics on Wednesday in what will be the franchise’s first game this season without the services of Caitlin Clark.
Clark is dealing with a left quad strain that is expected to sideline her for at least two weeks. She dealt with a left quad injury during the WNBA preseason, notably missing a matchup against the Mystics because of it, but was healthy enough to play in the Fever’s season opener against the Chicago Sky.
Without Clark, the Fever will rely more on Aliyah Boston to carry their offense. Boston is averaging 18.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this season and is tied with Kelsey Mitchell for the second-most assists per game (2.3) on the team.
Mitchell is more of an off-ball guard but may be asked to up her playmaking ability with Clark out of the lineup. Veteran guard Sydney Colson is set to take over the starting point guard duties in Clark’s stead while Sophie Cunningham will also be a part of the rotation at the position.
Regardless of who runs the point, Fever coach Stephanie White conceded the offense is ‘going to look different’ with Clark out of the lineup.
Meanwhile, the Mystics will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak after winning back-to-back games to open the season. Washington’s three losses have been by a combined 11 points and the team has gotten strong performances out of its first-round rookie duo of Sonia Citron (15.4 points per game) and Kiki Iriafen (13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds per game).
Here’s what to know about the Fever vs. Mystics game, including how to watch the Wednesday matchup.
Halftime: Mystics 44, Fever 40
The Mystics outscored the Fever 25-17 in the second quarter to take a four-point lead into the locker room at halftime. Washington’s Shakira Austin leads all scorers with 13 points off the bench, in addition to two rebounds and one steal. Rookie Sonia Citron added nine points, four rebounds and one assist. The Mystics are outscoring the Fever in paint points (30-18) and fast break points (5-0). Meanwhile, Natasha Howard leads the Fever with 10 points and five rebounds, but has four turnovers. DeWanna Bonner added nine points off the bench for Indiana.
End of Q1: Fever 23, Mystics 19
No Caitlin Clark, no problem so far for the Fever. Indiana has a four-point lead over Washington heading into the second quarter, following a team-high eight points from Natasha Howard. The Fever is collectively shooting 50% from both the field and three-point line, while the Mystics are only shooting 35% from the field and 25% from three. Shakira Austin leads Washington with six points off the bench.
What time is Fever vs. Mystics?
The Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 28 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.
The Mystics typically play their home games at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., which seats 4,200, but are playing both of their home games against the Fever at the larger CFG Bank Arena (14,000 capacity).
How to watch Fever vs. Mystics WNBA game: TV, stream
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore
- TV: NBA TV
- Stream: Fubo