Fever vs. Sparks Game PREVIEW: Indiana Riding a 5-Game Win Streak Without Caitlin Clark 

The Indiana Fever are heating up—and they’re doing it without their biggest star.

As the team prepares to face off against the Los Angeles Sparks, the narrative is shifting from “Can they win without Caitlin Clark?” to “How dangerous are they becoming even without her on the floor?”

With a 5-game winning streak in tow, Indiana has silenced the doubters and surged into the WNBA playoff conversation. Their upcoming clash with the Sparks is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the week—not just for what it means for the standings, but for what it reveals about the Fever’s evolution as a team.

Let’s break it down.

Indiana Fever: Finding Identity Beyond Clark

While Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with injury (status TBD for this game), Indiana has found ways to win by leaning on depth, defense, and discipline.

Aliyah Boston has been a force in the paint, averaging a double-double over the last five games and anchoring the defense with elite rim protection. Kelsey Mitchell has stepped up as the primary scoring option, lighting it up from beyond the arc and taking over late in games. And Sophie Cunningham, newly signed this season, has brought intensity, toughness, and timely buckets—plus a little attitude that’s rubbed off on the rest of the team.

Most importantly, the Fever are starting to trust each other. They’ve upped their assist numbers, cut down on turnovers, and their defensive rotations look sharper than ever.

This isn’t just about surviving without Clark. It’s about thriving while she recovers.

Los Angeles Sparks: Desperate to Rebound

On the other side, the Sparks are in survival mode.

After a rocky stretch that’s seen them drop 4 of their last 5, LA is scrambling to get back on track. Dearica Hamby continues to be their most consistent performer, and rookie Rickea Jackson has shown flashes—but they’re still struggling to find reliable halfcourt offense and close games.

The Sparks need this win badly. They’ll be at home, and they’ll be the more rested team. But with Indiana playing with confidence and cohesion, LA will have their hands full.

Expect the Sparks to come out aggressive on defense and test Indiana’s ball-handlers early.

Key Matchup to Watch

Aliyah Boston vs. Dearica Hamby

This is the engine vs. the enforcer.

Boston has been on a tear, but Hamby is one of the league’s most versatile defenders. If Hamby can slow down Boston without getting into foul trouble, LA has a shot to control the paint. If Boston gets going early, it could be a long night for the Sparks.

X-Factor: Kelsey Mitchell

Mitchell is Indiana’s offensive heartbeat right now. She’ll need to stay hot from three and continue to take command in crunch time. If she can draw double-teams, that opens things up for shooters like Lexie Hull and Grace Berger.

What’s at Stake

For Indiana:

Extend their win streak to 6
Prove they’re legit contenders with or without Clark
Move up the playoff seedings

For Los Angeles:

Stop the bleeding
Protect home court
Stay alive in the playoff race

Prediction

Indiana 82 – Los Angeles 74
The Fever are simply playing with more cohesion and hunger. Unless LA catches fire from deep or forces 20+ turnovers, Indiana should control the tempo and extend the streak to six.