Quick Read
- Caitlin Clark returns for the Indiana Fever after missing five games due to a groin injury.
- Both the Indiana Fever and Golden State Valkyries have 9-9 records entering the game.
- The Fever are favored by 7.5 points, with Caitlin Clark averaging 18.2 points per game this season.
- The game takes place on July 9, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries are set to clash on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Both teams enter the game with identical 9-9 records, making this WNBA matchup a critical one for their playoff aspirations. This game also marks the highly anticipated return of Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, who has been sidelined due to a groin injury.
Caitlin Clark’s Return: A Game-Changer
Caitlin Clark’s return to the court has been a focal point leading up to this game. Having missed the last five games due to a left groin injury, Clark expressed her optimism about playing substantial minutes. “I hope to play a decent amount — in the upper 20s. I guess it depends on how the game goes and how I feel and what the team needs,” she told reporters after Tuesday’s practice, as reported by NBC Sports.
In her nine games this season, Clark has been a standout performer, averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. Fever coach Stephanie White emphasized the cautious approach taken to ensure Clark’s readiness, explaining that her return follows a structured recovery process. White added, “She gets to do a little bit more, and then we see tomorrow: is there progress, or is there any regression?” (IndyStar).
Teams at a Crossroads
Both teams enter the game with a 9-9 record, but their recent trajectories differ. The Indiana Fever are coming off a narrow 89-87 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, a game in which Aliyah Boston recorded 23 points and 12 rebounds. Natasha Howard and Kelsey Mitchell also made significant contributions. This game presents an opportunity for the Fever to bounce back and secure their 10th win of the season.
The Golden State Valkyries, on the other hand, are navigating their inaugural season in the WNBA. Despite their ups and downs, they have shown promise, with Kayla Thornton emerging as a key player, averaging nearly 15 points per game this season. The Valkyries suffered a 90-81 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Monday, a game where they faltered in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 26-13 (Newsweek).
Key Matchups and Expectations
All eyes will be on the Fever’s trio of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, all of whom were selected for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. Their chemistry on the court could prove decisive against a Valkyries team led by Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings. The Valkyries will need to address their fourth-quarter struggles if they hope to contend with the Fever’s dynamic offense.
Betting odds favor the Fever by 7.5 points, with an over/under set at 162.5 points, according to BetMGM. ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Fever a 74% chance of winning, highlighting their home-court advantage and the boost from Clark’s return.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the action live at 12 PM ET on NBA TV or stream the game via Fubo. Tickets for the game start at $22 on StubHub. As the Fever and Valkyries battle it out, this game is shaping up to be a must-watch for WNBA enthusiasts.
As the season heats up, both teams will look to make a statement in this pivotal matchup. With Caitlin Clark back in the mix, the Indiana Fever aim to capitalize on their potential, while the Golden State Valkyries seek to prove they belong among the league’s elite.