The Indiana Fever are set to host the Las Vegas Aces in a WNBA regular-season game on Thursday, July 24, at 7:00 PM ET in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana. Both teams are closely positioned in the league standings, with the Fever holding a 12-12 record and the Aces at 12-11. This matchup marks a critical juncture for both teams as they seek to solidify their playoff positions.

Injury Report

• Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark remains out with a groin injury. She is scheduled to undergo further medical evaluation to determine the extent of the injury and her expected return. Damiris Dantas is also unavailable as she is competing in the AmeriCup with the Brazil national team.
• Las Vegas Aces: Jackie Young is listed as questionable due to a hip injury. She suffered the injury on July 16 against the Dallas Wings and was rested in practice. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is out. Megan Gustafson has been upgraded to "doubtful" after recovering from a lower left leg injury sustained during training camp. A'ja Wilson was also listed as questionable with a wrist injury earlier in the month.

Projected Starting Lineups

• Indiana Fever: The Fever's starting lineup may look different with Clark out. A potential lineup could feature Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard, and potentially Sydney Colson.
• Las Vegas Aces: The Aces' expected starting five could consist of Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young (if she is healthy), A'ja Wilson, and NaLyssa Smith. If Young is unable to play, Jewell Loyd is likely to see more touches at the guard spot.

Key Players

• Indiana Fever: Kelsey Mitchell will need to lead the Fever's offense in Clark's absence. Aliyah Boston's performance in the paint will also be crucial. Sophie Cunningham has been playing well recently and could provide a spark.
• Las Vegas Aces: A'ja Wilson is a dominant force, averaging 22.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Chelsea Gray's playmaking and Jackie Young's scoring (if she plays) are also vital to the Aces' success.

Recent Form

• Indiana Fever: The Fever lost to the New York Liberty 98-84 in their most recent game. They are 4-7 without Caitlin Clark.
• Las Vegas Aces: The Aces are on a three-game winning streak, with their most recent victory being an 87-72 win against the Atlanta Dream.

Prediction

The Las Vegas Aces are favored to win this matchup. Even though the season series is tied at 1-1, the Aces are expected to cover the spread. A'ja Wilson's dominance and the Aces' overall experience give them an edge. However, the Fever have shown they can compete, especially at home. The Fever's offense has generally been strong this season, but their defense has been vulnerable.

Several sources offer betting predictions. One suggests betting on A'ja Wilson to score over 23.5 points and Sophie Cunningham to make over 1.5 three-pointers. Another predicts the total score to be under 171.5 points.