Can Caitlin Clark Break the WNBA Adversity: Line Up, Injury Report, Predictions, and Players to Watch Out For

The adversity in Indiana is real. And despite drafting the No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, it has not yet been reduced. However, if the Fever’s last game against the New York Liberty was any lesson, fans know that this team is improving. Slowly, but they are. And this time around, the Fever will be playing on their home turf in Indiana, in the presence of their supporters, and will hope to get off the mark this season. But can Clark really do all that single-handedly? Let us look at the details of the much-awaited upcoming game where Caitlin Clark and Co. will try to bring down the Conneticut Sun.

Talking about the line-up, we already know who is going to make the starting five for the Fever. Christie Sides has tried a couple of different lineups in the last three games, but after last game’s performance, that starting lineup may get another run. In the backcourt, the NCAA all-time leading scorer will most likely partner up with Kelsey Mitchell after the 28-year-old replaced Erica Wheeler in the last game. The 2023 No.1 pick, Aliyah Boston should start alongside Katie Lou Samuelson and NaLyssa Smith.

The visitors have their starting five in place, who they heavily rely on for a win. Their scoring leaders, DeWanna Bonner, DiJonai Carrington, and Alyssa Thomas, will be looking forward to maintaining their unbeaten start. Brionna Jones and Tyasha Harris, who have started both the earlier game, should round up the starting five.

On the host team, no player is under the injury status, except for Damiris Dantas, who got her contract temporarily suspended due to a knee injury. For Connecticut, only Rachel Banham, who got a satisfactory time on the floor, will not make the game. She has a concussion, and her status reads “OUT” for now.

Predictions: Will Caitlin Clark turn the tides in the 0-3 losing run?

Despite her team not having any success so far, Caitlin Clark has produced decent numbers. In fact, she grabbed 20 points in her debut against the Sun itself. In her last outing as well, the rookie brought 22 points for the team in a fighting loss. She became only the fourth WNBA player to score 50+ points and 15+ assists in first three WNBA games. This shows that over time, she is only getting better at understanding how the professional league operates.

Moreover, unlike her first game with the young core, the last ones had a better number of assists as well. This proves that the team too is getting more used to her quick and unexpected passes. So, if the 6-foot guard brings the same energy for tonight, we know that just like at Iowa, she is capable of being the primary scorer and can go off on any given night. This will give the rest of the team more cushion to play the way they do.

But the opposing team is not forgiving either. Carrying the weight of the team is DeWanna Bonner, who had 20 in the first game against Indiana. Boosting the team’s defense is Alyssa Thomas, who grabs 10.5 rebounds per clip. She is also one heck of a playmaker who dishes out assists at 9.5 per game. In fact, she recorded a triple-double against the Fever in the season opener.

There is no news that Connecticut completely ruined the WNBA debut for the Fever rookie. However, with tonight’s game being their first road matchup and with the No. 22 getting comfortable in her new shoes, the game may not turn out as the Sun wish. So, who are the players to look out for tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse?

Caitlin Clark and who?

Being at home, the majority of the crowd is going to be there for the Fever. However, a huge percentage of them will be for Caitlin Clark. With just 3 games in, the rookie is already showing some immense promise. Averaging 17 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per outing, she is keeping her name in the clear. Another from the team is Kelsey Mitchell, who was the scoring leader of the group last season. Adding more to the team is NaLyssa Smith, who has shown quickness on the floor at every moment.

On the opposing side, the entire starting five is a trouble. Whether you talk about offense or defense, the Sun brings a hefty load for the opponent. But the biggest of them is DeWanna Bonner who averages 21 PPG. Next in line is DiJonai Carrington with sass and 18.5 points per game. Alyssa Thomas is also a great support with 13 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists.

Many have also predicted that the Sun can be high up in the title run this year. They are also one of the best defensive teams in the WNBA. It will be interesting if Caitlin Clark can match her first game numbers with the Sun, and better, add to it. Overall, while the chances of Connecticut winning this game seem to be higher with the experience, maybe the Fever will turn the odds after three losses.