Not too long ago, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes squared off against Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers in a thrilling Elite Eight battle during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. This Saturday, the two stars will face each other for the first time as professionals when the Indiana Fever take on the Chicago Sky.
Adding to the excitement, the No. 3 overall pick, Kamilla Cardoso, who propelled the South Carolina Gamecocks past Clark’s squad to claim the national championship, will be making her WNBA debut. Cardoso has been sidelined since training camp due to a shoulder injury.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the much-anticipated showdown:
Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever
How to watch
- Time: Noon ET
- Date: Saturday, June 1
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
- TV channel: ESPN
- Streaming: fubo
Storylines
Fever: Indiana is grappling with a tough start to the season, largely due to a grueling schedule. This year is less about wins and more about Clark’s growth and determining which players best complement her game. Clark is on track to become the first rookie to average at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game, but her synergy with the team is still evolving.
Sky: Chicago, under the new leadership of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, has been more competitive than anticipated. Reese has had a strong start to her professional career, nearing a double-double average. The return of Cardoso is particularly thrilling, as it will be fascinating to see how she and Reese play together.
Prediction
The Fever are struggling with a 1-8 record and the league’s worst net rating (-15.9). However, it’s worth noting they’ve only faced non-contenders twice, both times against the Sparks, resulting in a win and a narrow six-point loss. While picking the Fever might seem risky, they’re playing at home, and the Sky will be on the road with little rest for an afternoon game. Moreover, Chicago’s inconsistent offense could be exploited by the Fever. Pick: Fever +3.5