As the WNBA season heats up, the Indiana Fever sporting a 9-14 record is gearing up to wrap up their home games before the All-Star break with a highly anticipated rematch against the sixth-seeded Phoenix Mercury who have a record of 12-10. With their face-off scheduled for Friday night, both teams are poised to assert their dominance. Anticipation also builds as Caitlin Clark will look to dazzle against the Mercury, aiming to bolster her lead over arch-rival Angel Reese in the race for Rookie of the Year honors. The Fever’s rookie guard continues to redefine expectations while shattering records.

However, Clark’s performance won’t be the only factor influencing the outcome of the game. Both teams are dealing with a few players sidelined due to injuries, which could significantly impact the match. Let’s take a look at the list of players unavailable for the Friday clash.

Players ruled out for Fever vs. Mercury clash

Phoenix enters the contest on a three-game winning streak, showcasing a strong run. However, the Mercury will miss the scoring prowess of Diana Taurasi, sidelined with a leg injury and back soreness. This absence presents an opportunity for Natasha Cloud to take charge and coordinate the offense alongside Kahleah Copper. 

On the road to Indianapolis, the Mercury face other hardships with two more players sidelined from their roster. Charisma Osborne is also out due to a lower leg injury, as reported by ESPN. The 25-year-old Sug Sutton is struggling through a hamstring injury and will not be available for the contest.

On the other hand, Indiana Fever would be eager to recover from a recent setback against the Washington Mystics. They will only be missing Temi Fagbenle’s services against Phoenix. She picked a right thumb injury before the clash against New York Liberty.

The team that adapts better with the available players on the roster will probably seal the game. So, let’s look at the odds.

Fever vs. Mercury: Prediction and Starting 5

This will be the second meeting of the season between these two teams, with the Fever emerging victorious in a thrilling 88-82 comeback win back on June 30 at Footprint Center. Having faced off 54 times in the regular season, the Mercury lead the all-time series 29-25. Yet, Indiana has recently taken control, triumphing in their last three matchups. Oddsmakers slightly favor the Mercury for this game, but Indiana has a good chance to pull off an upset at home. Expect a competitive match with the total score likely staying under 173.5 points.

In this encounter, Mercury could come on the court with the following line-up: Kahleah Copper, Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and Brittney Griner. They will be up against Fevers who might include Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Katie Lou Samuelson, NaLyssa Smith, and Aliyah Boston in their line-up.

With Caitlin Clark fresh off her first WNBA triple-double, the Fever are undoubtedly driven to extend their winning streak against Phoenix, but Mercury also have a mission of keeping their three-match winning streak live in the competition. It will be interesting to see which team will hit the bullseye in the contest.

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.