Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever, Picks and Prediction, Sunday, September 14
Use Code WWWC The WNBA playoffs begin Sunday with four games. The second matchup features the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
This will be Game 1 of a best-of-three series. These teams split their four head-to-head meetings this season, both against the spread and straight up.
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Still a big three without Clark
The Fever finished the regular season 24-20, earning the third-best record in the Eastern Conference and the sixth-best in the league. Indiana closed strong with three straight wins and went 11-11 on the road.
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The biggest storyline is the absence of Caitlin Clark, who has not played since July 15 and confirmed she will miss the rest of the season. Damiris Dantas was also recently ruled out for Game 1, joining a long list of injured players including Chloe Bibby, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald.
Even so, the Fever have a consistent trio that started all 44 games. Kelsey Mitchell leads with 20.2 points per game, followed by Aliyah Boston (15 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists) and Natasha Howard (11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds). Guards Odyssey Sims (10.3 points, 4.0 assists) and Lexie Hull (7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds) round out the starting lineup.
On the road, Indiana went 11-11 overall. In those games, Indiana ranked eighth in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating.
Dream have been strong at home
The Dream have the third-best record in the WNBA, enter the postseason as hot as any team outside of Las Vegas, riding a six-game winning streak. However, each of those recent victories came against non-playoff teams, with a win over the Wings, three over the Sun, and two against the Sparks.
Atlanta is led by guards Allisha Gray (18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists), Rhyne Howard (17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists), and Jordin Canada (11.2 points, 5.7 assists). In the frontcourt, Brionna Jones (12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds) and Naz Hillmon (8.6 points, 6.2 rebounds) anchor the starting lineup. Brittney Griner has also made 25 starts in 39 games this season, and averages 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
The Dream have been strong at home, finishing 16-6. They rank fourth in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating in home games.
Fever vs Dream Prediction
Spread Pick for Fever vs. Dream
- Indiana Fever +7.5 (4 units)
Both teams enter on winning streaks, but Atlanta’s came against a soft schedule. That’s not a knock on the Dream, but it makes this number risky to lay. Indiana has dealt with adversity as well as any team this season, and the trio of Mitchell, Boston, and Howard remains underrated. Expect the Fever to fight. Take the points.
Total Pick for Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever:
- Under 159.5
Both meetings in Atlanta this year stayed under the total, and a slower playoff tempo should favor another under. These teams already defend well, and the Fever have gone under in four straight road games as the head into the postseason.
Take the under.
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