Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever 5/19/23 - WNBA Picks & Predictions

On Friday, the Connecticut Sun visits the Indiana Fever for the opening game of the 2023 WNBA regular season for both teams. Connecticut finished third overall last season in the league at 25-11, just one game behind both Las Vegas and Chicago. Connecticut lost in the WNBA finals last season to the Las Vegas Aces. Last season the Sun were led by Alyssa Thomas, who averaged 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. The entire Sun team ran through Thomas as she was the focal point from start to finish.

Jonquel Jones, Jasmine Thomas, Joyner Holmes, Courtney Williams and Odyssey Sims are no longer with the Suns. Connecticut added Rebecca Allen, Tyasha Harris, Lauren Cox, Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Tiffany Hayes. Stephanie White is the new head coach for Connecticut replacing Curt Miller. The key will be the play of Thomas and Brionna Jones. Rebecca Allen hits 36.9% of her shots from three point territory and was a big addition for the Sun. Tiffany Hayes gives the Sun experience, scoring and leadership.

Last season Indiana finished last in the WNBA at 5-31 and finished eight games behind the next closest team the Los Angeles Sparks. Kelsey Mitchell is the best all-around player for Indiana. The Fever drafted Aliyah Boston No. 1 overall. Veteran guard Erica Wheeler returns to the Fever and second year star NaLyssa Smith is one of the best players the Fever also has back from last season. Boston scored an average of 16.8 points per game and was National Player of the Year 2021-22, while finishing last season with an average of 14 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Indiana no longer has Danielle Robinson and Tiffany Mitchell, but the aforementioned Wheeler was added as was Maya Caldwell and Indiana re-signed Victoria Vivians, who will give much needed leadership. Last season Vivians posted career highs in scoring, rebounding and assists. Christie Sides is the new head coach of Indiana.