INDIANAPOLIS -- The Sparks (7-25) are back on the road for a little trip to the Midwest.
Who do they have next? Only one of the hotter teams in the WNBA: the playoff-bound Indiana Fever (17-16).
The Olympic break was what the doctor ordered for the Fever, especially Caitlin Clark. People can make a case for Clark being one of the Top 10 players in the league the way she has been playing. Since the season resumed, Clark is averaging 24.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per in seven games. By the way, Indiana has gone 6-1 in that stretch.
Pundits claimed Clark had no help in the Fever early in the season but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Kelsey Mitchell has shot all the lights out since the break, averaging 26.7 points in those seven games. Mitchell and Clark have become the deadliest backcourt in the league and it’s terrifying.
While Aliyah Boston hasn’t been the most productive lately, she still provides a post presence for the Fever. NaLyssa Smith provides additional scoring and rebounding while Lexie Hull has emerged as a 3-and-D threat for Indy. Hull scored 22 points on 6 for 7 shooting in a massive win over the Storm.
Overall, the Fever offense is hummin’ at 111.0 points in their offensive rating, which makes it the most potent offense since the Olympic break. They will score a lot of points.
These are two decidedly different teams than the two games they had last May; both teams have a win against each other. The Fever have much better chemistry while the Sparks have been wrecked with injuries.
Still, the rookies will show out for their respective teams. Rickea Jackson has emerged as a three-level scorer and a much better defender while Caitlin Clark has risen to become one of the top players in the league.
So the Sparks have to make it difficult for them to score. They can get physical as seen against the Sun. But if need be, Los Angeles can put up a lot of points as seen in Dallas against the Wings.
And if they can put it all together as seen against the Liberty, they can get another win in Indianapolis. Otherwise, it'll be like their showing against the Dream on Sunday.