With just hours to go before the Indiana Fever tip-off against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena, anticipation is building for their fourth playoff showdown with the Uncasville-based team. Despite the Sun holding a better overall head-to-head record, the Fever has had the upper hand in playoff matchups, winning two of the last three series. If Indiana hopes to keep that edge, they’ll need a standout performance from one of their key players against Connecticut—Kelsey Mitchell. But is she even available for tonight’s game?

Indiana fans have reason to feel motivated as Kelsey Mitchell herself has provided an exciting update on her availability and fitness for tonight’s game. In a recent media interaction shared by Fever beat reporter Matthew Byrne, Mitchell confidently addressed her status. “I feel great. Hopefully you guys saw me, I didn’t think I looked bad. I feel great,” the Fever guard assured.

With the Sun holding a stronger record over the Fever with three wins this season, Kelsey Mitchell’s presence will be key for Indiana tonight. She’s already tallied 57 points against the team this season, second only to Clark’s 66. Mitchell’s chemistry with Clark has been nothing short of game-changing for the Fever, making their partnership one of the team’s biggest assets heading into the playoffs.

Even Fever head coach Christie Sides has been all praise for the dynamic duo. “I mean, those two can knock down some huge shots. There’s just ice in their veins,” remarked Side earlier. But after one of her decisions in the last game, Sides faced some unexpected scrutiny, especially with questions surrounding Mitchell’s participation.

Kelsey Mitchell’s suffered an injury scare in the last game

In their final regular season game against the Washington Mystics, the Fever didn’t have much at stake, as their sixth-place spot in the standings was already secured. Given the circumstances, many expected the team’s management to follow the lead of other franchises and rest their key players ahead of the critical playoff showdown. But head coach Christie Sides made a bold move, opting to field a full-strength roster instead.

While the Fever made a great start leading in the first quarter and Mitchell scoring four points, things took a concerning turn in the second quarter. Mitchell after clocking just five minutes in the game, was spotted on bench holding a knee brace. That sight was enough to send Fever fans into a frenzy of concern. Not only did the team lose their final game, but now there was growing uncertainty about Mitchell’s availability for the playoffs.

However, the star guard now has revealed that benching her was just a precautionary move and she feels completely fit to play. Over the past seven seasons, Mitchell has been the Fever’s standout performer against the Sun, racking up an impressive 355 points, 56 rebounds, and 40 assists in those matchups.

What makes tonight even more special for Kelsey Mitchell is that it marks her first playoff appearance since her debut season in 2018.“It’ll be an experience from a standpoint; I’ve never been a part of it. So the spectacle, the fans, that’ll be new for me,” said Mitchell earlier, as she will be eager to make her mark in tonight’s pivotal game at Mohegan Sun Arena.