

Following a two-week absence due to a groin injury, Caitlin Clark is expected to make her much-anticipated return Wednesday afternoon as the Indiana Fever welcome the Golden State Valkyries to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the first time.
They’re both expansion teams by different measures: one brand new, the other reshaped by a spotlight that doesn’t always wait for results. Now they meet as equals, both still figuring out what sticks when the hype fades.
Advertisement
How to watch Golden State Valkyries at Indiana Fever
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis
- Time: Noon ET, Wednesday
- TV: NBA TV, WNBA League Pass (national); WTHR Channel 13, KPIX 5, KOVR 13 (in market)
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
- Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.
The Valkyries (9-9) come to Indianapolis having lost two straight and three of five. On Monday, they fell 90-81 to Atlanta, surrendering 43.9 percent shooting and 24 assists. Monique Billings scored 19 points and first-time All-Star Kayla Thornton added 15, but the Valkyries’ half-court offense couldn’t keep pace with the Dream.
Still, they’re formidable defensively, ranking third in the league in defensive rating and first in opponent field-goal percentage. Golden State also averages 36.9 rebounds per game (second) and holds teams to just over 78 points per game (second).
That defense was on full display last month when the Valkyries limited the visiting Fever to 77 points in a double-digit victory. Clark was held to just 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting and turned the ball over six times.
Indiana (9-9) is coming off an 89-87 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks but has won four of its last six, including the Commissioner’s Cup final against the Minnesota Lynx. Kelsey Mitchell leads the team at 19.3 points per game, while Aliyah Boston is averaging 16.6 points and 8.3 rebounds. Natasha Howard has posted double-digit rebounds in two of her last three outings.
And then there’s Clark, who hasn’t played since June 24. She’s the heart and soul of this offense, averaging 18.2 points and 8.9 assists per game, and has helped guide the Fever to five wins in her nine appearances this season. Her presence is invaluable as Indiana looks to get back to a winning record.
The stakes are simple: two .500 teams, both looking to sharpen their edges. One game won’t define their seasons, but it could determine what comes next.
Streaming and ticketing links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
(Photo of Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin: Eakin Howard / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
Be the first to leave a comment