On Tuesday night, the Washington Mystics (3-4) traveled to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Fever (2-4) in a highly anticipated WNBA regular season matchup. Scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off and broadcast live on NBA TV, the game drew attention not only for the teams’ recent struggles but also for the absence of Fever star guard Caitlin Clark, sidelined with a left quad injury expected to keep her out for at least two weeks. Alongside Clark, Sophie Cunningham was also out, compounding Indiana’s challenges as they sought to halt a troubling losing streak.
The Fever entered the game having dropped their last three contests, including a recent 83-77 home loss to the Mystics on May 28. That defeat marked the first game without Clark, and the team has struggled to find offensive rhythm since. The Mystics, meanwhile, were coming off a heavy 85-63 loss to the undefeated New York Liberty, where they allowed Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu to score 28 points. Brittney Sykes led Washington in that game with 20 points and three steals despite shooting a modest 5-for-18 from the floor. Overall, the Mystics shot just 28.4% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc, highlighting offensive woes that they hoped to address against Indiana.
Despite their recent defeat, the Mystics held a psychological edge, having beaten the Fever just days earlier. However, the Fever were favored by -4.5 on the spread according to betting odds, with the over/under set at 161.5 points. The Fever were also favorites to win outright at -198, while the Mystics were listed as +164 underdogs. These odds reflected faith in Indiana’s home-court advantage and potential to rebound despite missing key players.
Lucy Olsen, a rookie for the Mystics and former Iowa standout, was another player to watch. Selected in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, Olsen had contributed 3.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists over seven games this season. Her collegiate pedigree, including a senior year average of 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, suggested she could be a developing asset for Washington as they sought to regain momentum.
Streaming options for fans were plentiful, with NBA TV coverage available on platforms such as Fubo, DirecTV, and Sling TV. Fubo TV’s Elite tier, priced at $95 per month with a free trial and $20 off the first month, offered access to NBA TV alongside other major sports channels, making it a popular choice. Sling TV provided a more affordable option at $56.99 per month with half off the first month, though NBA TV required the Sports Extra package. DirecTV also offered a free trial and a discounted first month at $79.99.
The Fever’s offensive struggles without Clark were evident in their previous games. Against the Connecticut Sun on May 30, Aliyah Boston led Indiana with 17 points and eight assists, shooting an efficient 8-for-10 from the field. DeWanna Bonner and Kelsey Mitchell added 13 points each, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Marina Mabrey’s 26 points for the Sun, who secured their first win of the season in that matchup. The Fever’s inability to compensate for Clark’s absence raised questions about their offensive cohesion and depth.
On the Mystics’ side, Brittney Sykes had emerged as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 21.7 points per game. Her ability to contribute rebounds, points, and free throws made her a versatile threat. According to a recent expert analysis, “I think the expectations on the Fever were just sky high, and maybe I’m guilty of that too because the pieces they have on paper should be great. However, they really haven’t been clicking offensively.” The same commentary praised the Mystics’ hunger and resilience, especially after a tough loss to the Liberty, noting that “even if this thing is close, I really trust the Mystics here.”
Despite the Fever’s favored status, the matchup was shaping up as a test of mental toughness and adaptability. The Mystics, eager to bounce back quickly, faced the challenge of overcoming their recent shooting woes and defensive lapses. The Fever, meanwhile, were desperate to find answers without their star guard and to stop the skid that had seen them lose four of five games, including three straight.
The game’s location at Gainbridge Fieldhouse added to the Fever’s home-court advantage, but the Mystics’ prior victory over Indiana on May 28 demonstrated that the visitors could compete effectively even in hostile environments. Fans tuning in could expect a hard-fought contest, with both teams looking to prove they could regain their footing in the early WNBA season.
Looking ahead, the Mystics had a busy schedule with upcoming games against the New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, Atlanta Dream, and Chicago Sky, while the Fever prepared for road games against the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream, followed by a home game against the Liberty. These upcoming matchups would be crucial for both teams as they aimed to improve their records and playoff positioning.
With star players sidelined and offensive struggles evident, the Mystics vs. Fever game on June 3, 2025, was more than just a regular season contest—it was a pivotal moment for both franchises. Whether the Fever could rally without Clark or the Mystics could capitalize on their recent experience against Indiana remained to be seen as tip-off approached at 7 p.m. ET.
For fans and analysts alike, the game promised an intriguing blend of strategy, resilience, and the unpredictable drama that makes WNBA basketball so compelling. As the action unfolded at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, all eyes were on these two teams striving to reverse their fortunes and ignite their seasons.
