Fever Face Sky Without Caitlin Clark in Primetime Showdown

The Indiana Fever are set to square off against the Chicago Sky on Saturday night in a historic matchup, marking the first WNBA regular-season game to be broadcast in primetime on a major network. The Fever, currently holding a record of 3-4, are looking to build on their recent momentum after breaking a three-game losing streak with an 85-76 victory over the Washington Mystics. Meanwhile, the Sky are on the upswing themselves, having secured two consecutive wins after a challenging start to the season that saw them fall to 0-4., according to CBS Sports

Unfortunately for the Fever, they will be without their star player, Caitlin Clark, who is sidelined due to a quad injury. Clark’s absence is a significant blow as she has been a pivotal force for the Fever this season. However, sources indicate that she is optimistic about returning to the lineup as early as next week, which could be crucial for Indiana’s upcoming schedule.

The matchup is set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, with CBS and Paramount+ providing live coverage. As the odds stand, the Fever are favored by four points, with the over/under set at 167.5 according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

Sports analysts Calvin Wetzel and Aaron Barzilai, who have a solid track record with their predictions—boasting a combined 202-111-2 record during the previous WNBA season—have weighed in on this matchup. They suggest that the Sky will keep the game competitive at home and anticipate a scoring total that exceeds the established over/under.

With the Fever striving to capitalize on their recent win and the Sky looking to continue their positive streak, this game promises to be an intriguing contest. Fans will be keen to see how Chicago’s Angel Reese steps up in the absence of Clark and how the Fever adjust their game plan to compensate for her loss.

Be sure to tune in to this landmark game on CBS or Paramount+, where new users can enjoy a free one-week trial. The excitement is palpable as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the early part of the season.