The bright lights of Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis set the stage for yet another chapter in the heated rivalry between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky on August 9, 2025. But this time, fans tuning in for the much-anticipated WNBA clash had to brace themselves for a contest missing its two headline stars: Angel Reese of the Sky and Caitlin Clark of the Fever, both sidelined with injuries and no clear timeline for their return. The absence of these second-year sensations certainly changed the complexion of the game, but it didn’t dampen the stakes or the competitive fire on either side.
Entering the night, the Fever boasted a 17-14 record, holding fifth place in the WNBA standings after a recent five-game winning streak. Their momentum, however, had been checked by a tough 35-point loss to the Phoenix Mercury just two days prior. That defeat was a sobering reminder of the parity and unpredictability that has defined this WNBA season, especially with the Fever’s grip on fifth place threatened by the likes of the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm breathing down their necks. The Sky, meanwhile, arrived in Indianapolis with an 8-22 record, sitting 11th in the league and officially out of the playoff race. Their own struggles were compounded by a 65-86 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, marking their ninth defeat in the past ten games.
Despite the absence of Clark and Reese, the rivalry still had plenty of intrigue. Indiana had dominated recent matchups, winning six of their last seven meetings with Chicago since the start of the 2024 season. The most recent encounter on July 27 saw the Fever surge to a 93-78 victory, powered by a dazzling 35-point performance from Kelsey Mitchell, who went 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. Aliyah Boston, Indiana’s dynamic big, chipped in with a double-double—14 points, 11 rebounds—plus six assists, two steals, and two blocks. Rachel Banham was Chicago’s standout in that game, pouring in 26 points and draining six triples of her own.
With Clark and Reese both on the mend, the spotlight shone brighter on the supporting casts. For Indiana, Kelsey Mitchell continued to be the go-to scorer, averaging a team-leading 19.7 points per game in 2025. Aliyah Boston, lauded by the Fever’s social media team as "the best passing big in the league," was expected to bounce back after being held to just four points in 26 minutes during the loss in Phoenix. Historically, Boston has responded well to single-digit outings, averaging 17.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in games following such performances this season. Against Chicago, she’s been a force, averaging 14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds, with her last home game against the Sky yielding 19 points and 13 boards.
On the Sky’s side, the focus was on Kamilla Cardoso, who entered the contest on a tear. Cardoso had scored in double figures in eight straight games, notching seven double-doubles during that stretch. While her numbers against Indiana this season had been modest—27 points on 9-of-23 shooting across their meetings—oddsmakers liked her chances to eclipse 14 points, setting her over/under at -130. The Sky desperately needed her production, especially with their offense sputtering in Reese’s absence; Chicago was the only WNBA team averaging fewer than 70 points per game in August, and their pace of play was among the slowest in the league.
Injuries were a theme on both sides. The Fever’s backcourt depth took a hit with season-ending injuries to Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald, leaving Indiana with just nine available players. Chicago, for their part, had grown all too familiar with the role of underdog—this marked their 22nd consecutive road game as the betting underdog. The odds reflected the recent history between these teams and the current rosters: Indiana was favored by 10 to 12 points depending on the sportsbook, with a moneyline as short as -500 and the over/under hovering between 162.5 and 166.5 points.
Fans hoping to tune in had plenty of options, with the game broadcast nationally on CBS and streamed on platforms like Paramount+, FuboTV, DIRECTV, and SlingTV. The reach of the WNBA continues to grow, and marquee matchups—even with stars sidelined—draw national attention. The fevered anticipation (pun intended) was palpable, even if the lineups looked a bit different than expected at the start of the season.
The Fever’s home-court advantage was another storyline. Indiana had won its last four home games entering Saturday, and the last two times they’d been favored by double digits at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, they’d won by margins of 17 and 19 points. Chicago, on the other hand, had lost nine straight games as a double-digit road underdog, though they’d managed to cover the spread twice in such scenarios this year. For those keeping an eye on the betting lines, these trends added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
Looking back at the series, the Fever’s dominance has been clear: they swept the Sky in their previous three meetings this season, winning by scores of 93-58, 79-52, and 93-78. The Sky’s lone victory in the rivalry since 2024 came on June 23 of last year. With another meeting scheduled for September, Chicago was eager to snap the streak and salvage some pride, while Indiana aimed to tighten its grip on a playoff berth.
For both teams, the schedule doesn’t get any easier. Indiana’s upcoming slate includes home games against the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics, and a tough road trip to face the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx. Chicago, meanwhile, faces the Sun, Valkyries, Storm, Liberty, and another showdown with the Sun before the end of August. Every game matters, especially for a Fever squad looking to fend off challengers in the standings and a Sky team searching for positives in a rebuilding year.
As the action tipped off at 8 p.m. ET, all eyes were on the role players and rising stars asked to step up in the absence of their teams’ brightest names. Would Aliyah Boston deliver another signature performance and help Indiana bounce back from its recent skid? Could Kamilla Cardoso continue her double-double streak and keep Chicago competitive on the road? And would Kelsey Mitchell’s hot hand be enough to carry the Fever to a season sweep of their rivals?
One thing’s for sure: even without the marquee names, the intensity and stakes remained sky-high in Indianapolis. With playoff positioning on the line for the Fever and pride driving the Sky, every possession mattered. As the game unfolded, fans saw a testament to the depth of talent across the WNBA—and a reminder that, in this league, the next star is always ready to seize the spotlight.
With the season winding down and the playoffs looming, Saturday’s clash between Indiana and Chicago was more than just another game. It was a test of resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding spirit that defines both franchises. As the final buzzer drew near, one question lingered: Who would rise to the occasion and shape the next chapter of this storied rivalry?
