The Indiana Fever kick off a four-game road trip with a game against the Dallas Wings on Friday, Aug 1, with Indiana’s longest winning streak of the season on the line.
The Fever are riding a three-game winning streak heading into Friday’s matchup against the Wings at the American Airlines Center, home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, following wins against the Las Vegas Aces, Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury.
Although 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark is set to miss her sixth consecutive game with a right groin injury, Friday’s game will still feature two recent No. 1 draft picks — Aliyah Boston, who was drafted first overall by the Fever in 2023, and rookie Paige Bueckers, who was selected first overall by the Wings in April.
Forward Maddy Siegrist will be available for the Wings on Friday after missing 17 games with a knee fracture, the team announced on July 31. Siegrist last played in the Wings’ 93-80 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on June 11th and is averaging 9.4 points and a career-high 5.2 rebounds in 11 games (three starts).
The Fever lead the regular-season series vs. the Wings, 2-0. Indiana won the first matchup of the season 94-86 without Clark, who was sidelined at the time with a left groin injury. Fans got the highly-anticipated matchup between Clark and Bueckers on July 13 in Indianapolis, which the Fever won 102-83. Clark had 14 points, 13 assists and five steals in that victory, while Bueckers had 21 points and two steals in the loss.
Follow along for the all the action from Friday night’s game:
Halftime: Fever 48, Wings 42
The Fever led by as many as eight points in the second quarter and take a six point lead into halftime. The Fever are 13-4 this season when leading at halftime, while the Wings are 1-17 when trailing at the half.
Natasha Howard is up to nine points and eight rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell also scored nine points. The Fever have lived in the paint, scoring 24 of their 48 points from close range, but the addition of Chloe Bibby has helped Indiana stretch the floor. She’s up to six points off the bench, shooting a perfect 2-of-2 from the 3-point line.
Paige Bueckers has a game-high 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and no turnovers. Bueckers has reached double-digit points in all 23 games she’s played in her rookie season. Arike Ogunbowale has six points, and Myisha Hines-Allen added seven points off the bench. Haley Jones was limited in the second quarter with four fouls after picking up two fouls in a matter of 13 seconds.
The Wings are 0-of-5 from three, but they’ve knocked down 12-of-13 free throws to remain close. The Fever are 5-of-15 from beyond the arc and 7-of-9 from the free throw line.
End of Q1: Fever 22, Wings 22
Things are all tied up after a back-and-forth first quarter that featured four ties and one lead change.
Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has a game-high seven points, while forward Natasha Howard is closing in on her seventh double-double of the season with six points and seven rebounds after the first quarter.
Indiana is out-rebounding Dallas 13-9, including five offensive rebounds, but the Wings have managed to get to the free throw line more. Dallas had nine free throw attempts in the first, compared to one for Indiana.
Paige Bueckers leads the Wings with five points, while Myisha Hines-Allen added five points off the bench.
Caitlin Clark injury update: Fever guard ruled out
The Fever All-Star guard will not be available for Friday’s matchup against the Wings due to a right groin injury that has kept her sidelined for six consecutive games. Clark suffered the injury in the final minute of the Fever’s win over Connecticut on July 15, another setback in Clark’s injury-riddled sophomore season.
What time is Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings?
The Dallas Wings will host the Indiana Fever at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 1 at the American Airlines Center, home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. The game will be broadcast on ION.
How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings: TV, stream
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas)
TV channel: ION
Streaming: WNBA League Pass
Indiana Fever starting lineup
With Clark sidelined with an injury, the Fever’s starting lineup is made up of Aari McDonald, Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston. This lineup has made five starts this season and is 3-2.
Fever signs Chloe Bibby for the rest of the season
On Friday, the Fever announced that the team signed Australian forward Chloe Bibby for the rest of the year. Fever initially signed Bibby to a seven-day contract on July 25 and she went on to appear in two games, averaging 9.0 points while shooting 44.4% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
Dallas Wings starting lineup
The Wings are sending Paige Bueckers, Luisa Geiselsoder, Haley Jones, Arike Ogunbowale and JJ Quinerly. This lineup has made two starts together and gone 1-1.
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