Aces vs Fever: Can Caitlin Clark Bring Out Her Best Form Against A’ja Wilson Too? Injury Report, Starting 5 and Prediction

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are coming off of a stunning win in Phoenix. However, before they enter the All-Star/ Olympics break, they have a few more big opponents to face. The first of the last six games this month is against the Las Vegas Aces. Led by the electrifying A’ja Wilson set to break out the LeBron 21 PEs, the 2x reigning champs are heading into the matchup on the back of a four-game winning streak.

So, can the golden rookie do something magical once again? Here are all the updates you need to know for Tuesday’s game.

Injury woes and the starters for Indiana and Las Vegas

Fortunately, the Fever has not listed any injured player for the first time this season. Hence, their complete 12-player roster, who has recently welcomed Damiris Dantas back, will be available in Vegas. On the other end of the floor, the Aces have Tiffany Hayes out for personal reasons. The latest addition for the Aces is likely to return today. But she is still a Game Time Decision.

Hayes has played 10 of 16 games for Las Vegas and started 2 so far. She is yet to play this month but seems like with the ‘point gawd’, Chelsea Gray, back in action, Becky Hammon can give her as much time as she needs to return.

As for the starting lineup, Christie Sides will trust her instincts on sending the usual five to open the night. These are Caitlin Clark, NaLyssa Smith, Kristy Wallace, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. However, with Temi Fagbenle already showing good form in the last two games since her return from the left foot injury, she too can enter for Smith. The alternative lineup came out in the opening month for Indiana.

The hosts, too, will have their leading scorer and rebounder A’ja Wilson on the floor. Chelsea Gray, Kiah Stokes, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young should join her on the floor. Additionally, if Hayes remains unavailable, Caitlin Clark’s Iowa teammate Kate Martin will get more minutes to show her skillset once again against the Fever.

Will Caitlin Clark reign over the Aces this time? Predicting today’s heavyweight matchup

Indiana will certainly be feeling confident after their huge comeback victory. Not only did the road win prove that the young group has the potential to take over a veteran team but also that their resilience and growing chemistry can damage many opponents. Interestingly, in ESPN’s power rankings, they have climbed up two spots from No. 8 after the win over Phoenix. While still nowhere near championship contention, Caitlin Clark & Co. are moving towards their original aim of securing a playoff spot quite nicely.

However, the Aces are no joke. While they are fifth in the playoff run right now, they have A’ja Wilson along with two more starters averaging double-digit scores in every game. Hence, while they have had some hiccups, their star power has every potential to carry them forward with a win against Indiana. According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, the Fever only stands a bleak 15.4% chance of winning over Vegas’ 84.6% for the game. But just like their last game vs the Mercury, Caitlin Clark and Co. can beat the odds.

The Sin City has already been hit with the Caitlin Clark effect as the game has already been shifted to the bigger T-Mobile Arena due to the high demands. But it will be very interesting if the current APG and 3PM leader in the league will be able to push her team through the Aces’ powerful roster.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.