A highly anticipated WNBA showdown is set for Friday as Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever (9-14) welcome Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury (12-10). Phoenix is coming off a strong run, winning four of their last six games, while Indiana has struggled, going 2-4 in their recent outings. Both teams currently occupy fourth place in their respective conferences.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. The Mercury are favored by 3 points in the latest odds, with the over/under for total points at 175. Before placing any bets on the Fever vs. Mercury matchup, be sure to check out the WNBA predictions from SportsLine’s expert, Calvin Wetzel.
Since the beginning of the 2021-22 women’s college basketball season, Wetzel boasts an impressive record of 1,384 wins to 988 losses (+371.33 units). This year, he accurately predicted 66 out of 68 teams for the NCAA Women’s Tournament, placing 62 of those within one seed line, and correctly forecasted 13 of 16 second-round matchups. Those who follow his insights have seen significant returns.
Now, he’s focused on the Mercury vs. Fever game and has locked in his predictions. Visit SportsLine to view his picks. Here are some key betting lines and trends for the Fever vs. Mercury matchup:
- Fever vs. Mercury spread: Phoenix -3
- Fever vs. Mercury over/under: 175 points
- Fever vs. Mercury money line: Phoenix -155, Indiana +130
PHX: Mercury has won nine of their past twelve games overall (ATS).
- IND: Fever are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games
- Fever vs. Mercury picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Fever can cover
Indiana has been effective offensively on multiple levels. The Fever are strong in the frontcourt and have ball handlers that can move the floor in the backcourt.The Fever ranked seventh in the league in scoring offense (80.7) but fourth in both field-goal percentage (44.3%) and 3-point percentage (34.5%).
Guard Kelsey Mitchell plays a big role in this. The 28-year-old logs 16.4 points and knocks down 37.6% of her 3-pointers. She has scored 20-plus points five times this season. Meanwhile, NaLyssa Smith brings a dynamic presence in the paint. She consistently battles for rebounds and showcases excellent footwork around the basket. Smith averages 11.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Why the Mercury can cover
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever (9-14) welcome Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury (12-10) on Friday in a WNBA clash featuring a star-studded lineup. Out of its last six games, Phoenix has won four. Indiana, meanwhile, has lost four of its last six games. Fourth position in their respective conferences is occupied by both teams.
The game begins at Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7:30 p.m. ET. According to the most recent Mercury vs. Fever odds, the Mercury are 3-point favorites, and the total points over/under is 175. Check out SportsLine’s women’s basketball analyst Calvin Wetzel’s WNBA predictions before selecting a Fever vs. Mercury team.
Wetzel is an incredible 1,384-988 (+371.33 units) since the beginning of the 2021–22 women’s collegiate basketball season. This year, Wetzel accurately predicted 13 out of 16 second-round games and selected 66 of the 68 teams in the NCAA Women’s Tournament, including 62 of those within one seed line. His followers have experienced enormous rewards.
He is now focused on Mercury vs. Fever and has made his WNBA predictions and selections. Visit SportsLine now to see his selections. For the Fever vs. Mercury game, here are a few WNBA betting odds and trends:
- Fever vs. Mercury spread: Phoenix -3
- Fever vs. Mercury over/under: 175 points
- Fever vs. Mercury money line: Phoenix -155, Indiana +130
PHX: Mercury has won nine of their past twelve games overall (ATS).
- IND: Fever are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games
- Fever vs. Mercury picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Fever can cover
Indiana’s offensive performance has been strong in a number of areas. The Fever are strong in the frontcourt and have ball handlers that can move the floor in the backcourt. In terms of scoring offense (80.7), the Fever was sixth in the league, but they were fourth in terms of field goal percentage (44.3%) and 3-point percentage (34.5%).
In this, guard Kelsey Mitchell is crucial. In addition to scoring 16.4 points, the 28-year-old makes 37.6% of her 3-pointers. This season, she has five times scored twenty points or more. NaLyssa Smith gives the lane an energizing lift in the meanwhile. She has excellent footwork around the basket and fights on the glass all the time. Smith brings in 7.7 rebounds and 11.5 points on average per game. Choose your team from this list.
Why the Mercury can cover
Protect For Phoenix, Natasha Cloud works well as a facilitator and playmaker. Cloud prefers to strike from below and does a fantastic job of including her teammates in the action. The 32-year-old, who also has 12.5 points and 4.4 rebounds, is third in the league in assists (7.2). Cloud scored a season-high 31 points, pulled down nine rebounds, and dished out five assists on Sunday. In addition, she made four 3-pointers.
The attack of Phoenix can score from several angles. The Mercury are fourth in the WNBA in terms of points per game (83.8) and free-throw percentage (80.8), but they are fifth in terms of 3-pointers made (199) due to their spread-out lineup of ball handlers and shot makers. Additionally, they average ten second-chance points every game.
Tips for Making WNBA Picks for Mercury vs. Fever
Wetzel has two more picks for Mercury vs. Fever set up: one on the spread and one player prop bet with a return plus money on Caitlin Clark. He is leaning towards the Over for the point total. His predictions and analysis are exclusively available on SportsLine.