Phoenix vs Fever: Can Diana Taurasi and Caitlin Clark Live Up to the GOAT vs Rookie Hype? Prediction, Injury Report and Starting 5

The highly anticipated battle is almost here! Caitlin Clark, the rook, will lock horns with the consensus GOAT Diana Taurasi on Sunday at the Footprint Center. Everyone is looking forward to the showdown, especially ever since the Phoenix legend added some fuel to the fire. Despite all that, the No. 22 of Indiana has seen her as nothing but her childhood idol.

With both the players and their teams ready to take on each other for the very first time this season, here is all the information you need before the game.

Will Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi rain threes? Predicting the matchup

A lot of hype has been created around Caitlin Clark meeting Diana Taurasi for the first time. While we may not know how the game will turn out, we can probably bet on one thing. That is shots from beyond the arc. Both the talented shooters are in a race to be at the top of the 3PM list, with the Indiana Fever rookie slightly ahead (54) of the Mercury guard (48).

Other than these two, Indiana will also have to focus on the offensive powerhouse, Kahleah Copper. As much as Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell can bring pace to the floor, Copper’s speed has been unmatched for many so far. Playmaking from Natasha Cloud will also be compared to how Caitlin Clark performs for the team.

In the paint, Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith may have to lead the charge more physically for Indiana as 9x All-Star Brittney Griner will be waiting for them. In all, the Mercury’s heavily experienced team will have all the tools to smash Indiana’s young squad. Still, the Fever too has the motivation to end their 2-game losing streak.

At the same time, like Diana Taurasi mentioned, they have to play a cautious game. ESPN’s matchup predictor agrees with the Mercury. They stand a 62.1% chance to win today’s game. On the other hand, Indiana has more often than not proven the prediction wrong and risen up as the victor. But the black clouds of injuries continue to roam over both teams.

Injuries and starting five for Phoenix vs Fever

Indiana heard good news as Temi Fagbenle finally returned to the floor after a long break. Unfortunately, while she has nursed her left knee back to health, she injured her thumb in their last game vs the Seattle Storm. The silver lining still remains as she is in the GTD status. Hence, the former Trojan just might enter the floor to help her team.

On the other side, Phoenix will possibly be missing Rebecca Allen. Bec is also in the questionable zone, meaning she not might take the floor. However, her lower back issue is a new one for her. Nate Tibbetts will be hopeful to see the 6-ft-2 guard participate in the game. The latest addition to the team, Charisma Osborne, is certainly out for Sunday. Her lower leg injury will keep her from helping her team.

Looking at the starting five, Christie Sides is probably going to go with her usual starters, who she has grown comfortable with. These will be NaLyssa Smith, Kelsey Mitchell, Kristy Wallace, and Aliyah Boston. These will be joining the star rookie, Caitlin Clark. For the Mercury, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud, Kahleah Copper, and Diana Taurasi are expected to open the weekend’s game. To replace Allen, in case she does not play, Tibbetts may bring Sophie Cunningham back into the starting lineup.

This is yet another time that Caitlin Clark will have a dramatic game with her opponent. If the games against the Chicago Sky are any proof, this game too will have a lot of unmissable moments. But the Footprint Center will surely roar loud for the high-octane thriller.

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.