Game Preview: shorthanded Fever Tip Off 2025 WNBA Playoffs on Sunday in Atlanta
Game Preview: shorthanded Fever Tip Off 2025 WNBA Playoffs on Sunday in Atlanta
ATLANTA, GA – The Indiana Fever, navigating a season marked by both historic success and significant adversity, will begin their 2025 WNBA Playoff journey on the road this Sunday as they face the formidable Atlanta Dream. The opening game of the best-of-three first-round series is set to tip off at 3:00 PM ET at the Gateway Center Arena.
The Fever, who secured the #6 seed with a 24-20 regular-season record, will be tested immediately against the #3 seed Dream, who finished the season with an impressive 30-14 record. The two teams split their regular-season series 2-2, setting the stage for a competitive and hard-fought playoff battle.
Broadcast Information
TV: ABC – Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)
Radio: 93.1 WIBC – John Nolan (play-by-play), Bria Goss (analyst)
A Season of Resilience for the Fever
Indiana’s return to the postseason for the first time since 2016 has been a major storyline, though it is now overshadowed by a significant challenge: the absence of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. The league’s top draft pick, who electrified audiences and broke numerous records, was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season with a groin injury. Her absence leaves a considerable void in the Fever’s lineup and forces the team to rely on its depth and the leadership of its seasoned veterans.
Head Coach Stephanie White acknowledged the hurdles her team has faced. “This group has been through so much this season,” White said. “The challenges have made us a more tight-knit group. We’ve had to adapt and find different ways to win, and that’s what we’ll have to do in the playoffs.”
With Clark sidelined, the offensive focus will shift heavily to All-Star forward Aliyah Boston. Boston has had a stellar sophomore campaign and will need to be a dominant force in the paint for the Fever to succeed. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell will also be looked upon to increase her scoring output, while the steady presence of NaLyssa Smith in the frontcourt will be crucial.
High-Flying Dream Look to Capitalize
The Atlanta Dream enter the playoffs as one of the league’s hottest teams, riding a wave of momentum from their best regular season in franchise history. Led by a dynamic duo of Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, the Dream possess a potent offense that can score from anywhere on the court.
Howard, in particular, has been on a tear, earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors multiple times down the stretch. Her ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting will be a major concern for the Fever defense. Gray provides a consistent scoring punch and veteran leadership, while the interior presence of veteran center Tina Charles adds another dimension to their attack.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The season series between the Fever and the Dream was a dead heat at two wins apiece, with each team protecting its home court. However, those games may not be a true indicator of what’s to come, as the rosters and rotations for both squads have evolved, most notably with the absence of Clark for Indiana.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Indiana Fever:
G – Kelsey Mitchell
G – Erica Wheeler
F – Lexie Hull
F – NaLyssa Smith
C – Aliyah Boston
Atlanta Dream:
G – Danielle Robinson
G – Allisha Gray
F – Rhyne Howard
F – Cheyenne Parker
C – Tina Charles
Keys to the Game
For the Indiana Fever, the path to victory will likely hinge on their defensive intensity and their ability to control the pace of the game. They will need to find ways to slow down the high-powered Atlanta offense and prevent Howard from getting into a rhythm. Offensively, a collective effort will be required to compensate for the loss of Clark’s scoring and playmaking. Ball movement and inside-out play through Aliyah Boston will be critical.
The Atlanta Dream will look to push the tempo and capitalize on their offensive firepower. They will likely test the Fever’s perimeter defense early and often with a barrage of three-point attempts. Defensively, their focus will be on containing Aliyah Boston and forcing the Fever’s other players to beat them.
The opening game of a playoff series is always crucial, and for a shorthanded but resilient Indiana Fever team, stealing a win on the road would be a massive momentum boost. For the Atlanta Dream, protecting their home court and setting the tone for the series is paramount. WNBA fans can expect a compelling matchup as these two teams lay it all on the line to advance to the next round.
