Liberty vs Fever Picks and Prediction – 5/16/2024

The New York Liberty (1-0), bolstered by a strong start, face the Indiana Fever (0-1) in an Eastern Conference clash. The Liberty look to build on their performance, while the Fever aim to rebound from a tough loss. Indiana's Caitlin Clark, after a 20-point game to begin her WNBA career, seeks to drive her team against a tough New York defense. Take the WNBA by storm with our WNBA picks.

New York Liberty kicked off their season with an impressive display in an 85-80 victory over the Washington Mystics. Jonquel Jones leads the scoring with 25 points. Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu add depth, with Stewart grabbing 8 rebounds and Ionescu contributing 8 assists on opening night, illustrating the Liberty's strong inside-out game. The defense played adequately, highlighted by Ionescu's 2 blocks.

The team's offensive efficiency is noteworthy, with a collective field goal percentage of 47.1%. The Liberty’s blend of scoring, rebounding, and defensive tenacity positions them as a formidable force, as evidenced by their controlled playstyle that led to a victory in their first game. This balanced attack, combining efficient shooting and solid defense, sets the stage for their continued success in the league.

Indiana Fever, despite an opening night 92-71 loss, can draw positives from Caitlin Clark’s team leading 20-point performance. However, the team struggled overall to put up shots, but shot 48% overall and 40% from three point territory. NaLyssa Smith’s presence on the boards, grabbing 9 rebounds, and Kelsey Mitchell's contributions off the bench could be key factors in turning their fortunes around. Indiana committed 25 turnovers, including 10 by Clark

The Fever's challenge is to enhance their offensive execution and defensive adjustments. Clark’s ability to score from deep, shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc, needs to be complemented by fewer turnovers. Indiana's defense, allowing too many easy scores in their first game, must tighten up.