Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever: Picks, Predictions and Odds

WNBA opening weekend continues with more enticing drama as a nationally televised Saturday afternoon showdown between two of the league’s rising stars and bitter collegiate rivals takes place.

The Chicago Sky will visit the Indiana Fever as Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark square off for the 10th time in their competitive careers.

While this is only the season opener, the buzz feels like a playoff game.

Reese, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, and Clark, the top overall pick that year, have a storied rivalry dating back to their freshman days, first when Reese was at Maryland, then through battles between LSU and Iowa in the NCAA Tournament.

Clark and the Fever took three of four from Reese’s Sky last season, but both players, and both franchises, enter 2025 with new weapons, heightened expectations and national attention.

Clark dazzled as a rookie, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists (leading the league) and 5.7 rebounds per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors and an All-WNBA First Team selection. Now, armed with veteran reinforcements like Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner and Sophie Cunningham, Indiana’s offense looks lethal. 

Chicago, meanwhile, added experience in Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins to complement Reese and fellow All-Rookie forward Kamilla Cardoso. Let’s break down the betting value in this anticipated opener.

Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever betting picks and predictions

Fever -7.5 (-110)

There’s a lot to like about Indiana in this spot, starting with continuity and offensive firepower. In 2024, the Fever made their first postseason appearance since 2016.

Despite being swept by the Connecticut Sun, they were ahead of schedule in their rebuild, and they look like a legit playoff contender entering 2025.

With a rookie point guard at the helm last year, and despite Clark’s 41.7 percent shooting from the floor and 5.6 turnovers per game, the Fever finished third in scoring (85.0 PPG), first in field goal percentage (45.6 percent) and third in offensive rating (106.1).

That was with a young roster still learning to play together. This year, Clark returns with another offseason under her belt, and the front office brought in experienced scorers and defenders to round out the rotation.

The additions of Howard (17.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG) and Bonner (15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG) give the Fever a versatile, veteran frontcourt to pair with 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston.

Kelsey Mitchell remains one of the league’s most efficient guards and pairs seamlessly with Clark in the backcourt. In 2024, Indiana went 17-8 against teams not named the Aces, Liberty, Sun or Lynx. That includes a 3-1 mark versus Chicago, including winning margins of 10 and eight in two of the four meetings.

Chicago has upside, especially with Reese and Cardoso anchoring the interior, but questions remain. The Sky finished 10th in offensive rating (99.1) last year and lost leading scorer Chennedy Carter.

They added Vandersloot and Atkins, but it may take time for the pieces to gel under new head coach Tyler Marsh. In a hostile environment against a deeper and more explosive Fever squad, the Sky are likely overmatched.

Over 166.5 Total Points (-110)

Looking at the trends from last season, this total might seem a touch high, until you dive into the specifics. These teams combined for Over 166.5 points in each of their last three meetings in 2024: totals of 174, 175 and 181.

That was before either team added veteran scoring depth and before their young stars got a full offseason to refine their games.

Indiana is built to run. Clark pushes the tempo and thrives in transition. Mitchell, Bonner and Cunningham can help space the floor, while Boston cleans up inside.

Clark’s ability to break traps and find open shooters should be even sharper this season, especially against a Sky defense that lost key perimeter defenders and is still integrating new parts.

The Fever were fifth in made three-pointers per game last year and could lead the league in that category in 2025. Clark should improve on her 34.4 percent shooting from deep, and Mitchell has been one of the most consistent outside threats in the WNBA, shooting over 40 percent in each of the last three seasons.

Chicago’s offensive struggles last season are well-documented, but there’s upside. Vandersloot and Atkins bring stability and IQ to the backcourt, and Cardoso could take a leap with more minutes and confidence.

Reese, who averaged 13.1 rebounds per game as a rookie, should help generate second-chance opportunities and fast-break chances. While the Sky may not be as efficient, they should get enough possessions and points to push this game over.

Kelsey Mitchell Over 17.5 Points (-115)

Mitchell quietly remains one of the league’s most consistent scorers. Sharing the backcourt spotlight with Clark didn’t hinder her in 2024, as she still averaged 19.2 points per game, matching Clark for the team lead.

Her efficiency didn’t dip, either, as she continued to shoot just under 41 percent from deep and remained one of the best isolation scorers in the W.

In four games vs. the Sky last season, Mitchell scored 18, 17, 24 and 23 points, shooting 9/13 in the final matchup. With Clark handling more playmaking duties and defenses likely sending extra attention her way, Mitchell should find herself with even more clean looks.

The Sky have a retooled backcourt and are still developing chemistry. Their perimeter defense, formerly a strength, could regress early in the season.

Mitchell’s ability to get to her spots, finish at the rim or knock down threes makes her the perfect complement to Clark’s gravity.

Given her track record against Chicago and Indiana’s deeper offensive structure, this prop feels a few points too low. If the game follows projections and the Fever control the pace while scoring into the high 80s or 90s, Mitchell clearing 17.5 points feels likely.

Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever odds

CHI Sky	+260 ML
IND Fever	-320 ML
Spread	Fever -7.5
Total Points	O/U 166.5

Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever player props

Player Points

Caitlin Clark (IND)	O/U 20.5
Kelsey Mitchell (IND)	O/U 17.5
Angel Reese (CHI)	O/U 14.5
Ariel Atkins (CHI)	O/U 14.5
Natasha Howard (IND)	O/U 14.5
Aliyah Boston (IND)	O/U 12.5

Read Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever: How to watch, TV Channel, streaming, start time, and stats on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.