The second day of the WNBA preseason kicks off with an exciting matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics. Both teams are looking to make a strong start in their preseason debut and showcase their new rosters.
The Indiana Fever made significant moves in the offseason, adding experienced players like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson to complement their core of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. These additions have bolstered their roster and positioned them as serious contenders for the upcoming season.
On the other hand, the Washington Mystics focused on the WNBA draft to revamp their team, selecting five players, including three first-round picks. Unfortunately, Georgia Amoore suffered an ACL injury during training camp, but the team is still looking to make an impact with their young talent under the guidance of coach Sydney Johnson and general manager Jamila Wideman.
Despite finishing near the bottom of the standings last season, the Mystics are determined to turn things around and develop their young players. They traded away their leading scorer, Ariel Atkins, signaling a rebuild but have retained veterans Brittney Sykes and Stefanie Dolson to provide leadership on the court.
The Fever, coming off a playoff appearance last season, have set their sights on a title run in 2025. With a revamped roster and a new coach in Stephanie White, they are looking to build on their success from last year. Reigning Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark will be a player to watch in her second year, surrounded by a deeper and more talented supporting cast.
According to ESPN Futures, the Fever are tied with the Las Vegas Aces for the best odds to win the 2025 WNBA title, with the New York Liberty slightly ahead. This preseason game will offer a glimpse into the potential of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In terms of prediction, the Fever are expected to have the upper hand due to their stronger lineup. While preseason games can be unpredictable, Indiana’s depth and talent should give them an edge over Washington. Our prediction is that the Fever will win by 21 points.
Overall, Saturday’s matchup between the Mystics and the Fever promises to be an exciting game, showcasing the potential of both teams as they gear up for the upcoming WNBA season.