Game Details:
- Matchup: Las Vegas Aces at Indiana Fever
- Date: Friday, September 26
- Time: 7:40 PM EST
- Spread: Las Vegas Aces -4
- Total: 162.5 (Under)
Aces Look to Overwhelm Injury-Plagued Fever in Playoff Matchup
The Las Vegas Aces travel to Indiana for a pivotal playoff showdown against a resilient but severely depleted Fever team. While the Aces enter as road favorites, the Fever have been playing with grit, making this a more compelling matchup than it appears on paper. However, Indiana’s “mounting injury crisis” will be the central storyline as they fight to keep their season alive.
Indiana Fever: The Walking Wounded
The Indiana Fever’s injury report reads like a list of who’s who. The team has been without star rookie Caitlin Clark since mid-July, and she remains out for this contest. The injury bug doesn’t stop there. Key role players Chloe Bibby and Damiris Dantas have also been ruled out, leaving Indiana without significant offensive firepower and frontcourt depth. The team has been dealing with various ailments all season, with players like Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham also missing time earlier in the year.
Despite the absences, the Fever have found a rallying point in veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell. As one podcast noted, in a matchup against the Aces, “Kelsey Mitchell DESERVES this,” highlighting her elevated role and stellar play as she carries the team’s offense. For the Fever to have any chance, Mitchell will need a heroic performance, and the team will have to rely on a scrappy defensive effort to slow down the high-powered Aces.
Las Vegas Aces: Healthy and Hunting
In stark contrast to their opponent, the Las Vegas Aces are comparatively healthy and primed for a deep playoff run. Their most notable absence is forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who is out on maternity leave. Otherwise, the defending champions are at near-full strength and will look to exploit their significant talent and depth advantage.
Led by perennial MVP candidate A’ja Wilson, the Aces boast an offense that can overwhelm any opponent. While they are a formidable force, they are not invincible, as shown by a narrow victory over the Phoenix Mercury in mid-August. They will look to push the pace and wear down the short-handed Fever rotation, leaning on their stars to take control of the game from the start.
Prediction
This game is a classic battle of talent vs. grit. The Fever are playing at home and will be motivated, with Kelsey Mitchell shouldering the offensive load. That heart and determination are likely why the spread is a slim four points.
However, in a playoff environment, depth and star power usually win out. The Aces have a massive advantage in both categories. It’s difficult to see a Fever team missing Caitlin Clark, Chloe Bibby, and Damiris Dantas keeping pace with the champs for a full 48 minutes. Expect Indiana to fight hard, but for the Aces’ superior talent to pull away in the second half.
With Indiana’s offense significantly hampered by injuries, they will likely try to slow the game down and make it a defensive grind. This, combined with the Aces’ solid defense, points toward a lower-scoring affair.
The Pick: Las Vegas Aces -4. The talent gap is too wide for the injury-riddled Fever to overcome.
The Total: Under 162.5. The Fever are missing too much offensive production to contribute to a high-scoring game.
Sources:
Las Vegas Aces Injury Status – ESPN
Connecticut Sun vs. Las Vegas Aces Injury Report and Predicted …
Grant Afseth on X: “Las Vegas Aces Injury Report vs. Dallas Wings …
Las Vegas Aces – Injury Report for tonight’s game against Chicago …
Atlanta Dream vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report, Starting-5 …
Late turnover causes Mercury loss to Las Vegas Aces
Connecticut Sun vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report, Starting-5 …
Las Vegas Aces Injury Report: Will star player A’ja Wilson start …
Las Vegas Aces injury update: Chelsea Gray out for WNBA Finals …
Las Vegas Aces Injury Report and Status 2025 – CBSSports.com