As the team is struggling with injuries and new additions to the roster, the Fever’s 2025 season hasn’t gone as well as expected. Caitlin Clark has only played 13 games so far, DeWanna Bonner isn’t with the team anymore, and for quite some time it looked like the Fever would struggle to even secure a playoff spot.
By now, the Fever seem to have salvaged the season. Stephanie White’s team has the sixth-best record in the league and has created some separation between itself and the Aces, Mystics, Valkyries, and Sparks.
ESPN’s latest power rankings have the Fever holding on to their postseason spot. Michael Voepel ranked the Fever fifth behind the Lynx, Liberty, Dream, and Mercury. Big performances from Kelsey Mitchell propelled the Fever to two major wins. Their 80-70 win over the Aces was especially important, as the Fever now hold the tiebreaker.
Securing a playoff spot should be the Fever’s ultimate goal this season
While losing Caitlin Clark for most of the season is a tough blow, the Fever should never take their eyes off the playoffs. By the time the postseason rolls around, Clark may be able to return to the court, and she, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell need all the playoff experience they can get.
The Fever got a lot older and more experienced over the offseason. They added Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, Brianna Turner, and Natasha Howard. All four have played a bunch of playoff games, especially Colson and Howard, who have been to the finals on several occasions.
Meanwhile, Clark, Mitchell, Boston, and Lexie Hull have only played two playoff games. Both were losses to the Connecticut Sun in the first round when the Fever made the playoffs last season. The Fever’s lack of experience compared to the veteran Sun team was obvious.
Game 1 was a blowout, as the Fever lost 93-69. Mitchell was the team’s leading scorer, and Clark led the team in assists. Game 2 was much closer. The Fever made adjustments and only lost by six points.
Indiana has to keep the win streak going
Wings haven’t always come easily for the Fever without Clark. Led by Mitchell, they secured two consecutive victories over the Las Vegas Aces and Chicago Sky. Keeping that win streak going is the best way for the Fever to confirm their standing in the playoff race. It would allow them to create more distance between themselves and the teams below them in the standings, as well as to potentially catch up to the Storm.
However, the Fever’s next game will be a challenge. Phoenix is a strong team and it has all its stars available.