Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever entered the All-Star break with a 17-10 record. They are currently fifth in the WNBA in the standings, behind the Minnesota Lynx (22-6), Golden State Valkyries (19-8), Las Vegas Aces (18-8) and the Dallas Wings (18-9).
Indiana made it all the way to the semifinals last season and even pushed the eventual champions, the Aces, to a full five-game series. Now, with Clark healthy after missing the playoffs in 2025, expectations are high that the team can compete for a championship this campaign.
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Interestingly, according to ESPN’s updated Basketball Power Index, the Fever have the highest chance of winning the title this season at 24.1%. The Aces are a close second at 22.6%, while the Lynx are third at 15.5%.
It’s not surprising that the Fever are favored to win it all, though. After all, they boast the best offense in the WNBA, ranking first in offensive rating at 116.1. While their defense leaves much to be desired, they aren’t the worst on that end of the floor, as they are ninth in defensive rating at 109.0.
Indiana also has three of the best players in the WNBA today in Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. Clark is averaging 21.0 points and 7.9 assists, while Mitchell is putting up 23.3 points per game.
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Boston, meanwhile, anchors Indiana’s defense. She’s averaging 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks. Even better, Boston has become an even more dangerous offensive threat with her improved 3-point shooting.
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark reacts during a WNBA game.USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
WNBA Fans Debate Over Indiana Fever’s Title Chances
While it makes sense that the Fever are among the title contenders, several social media users couldn’t help but argue that they shouldn’t be considered the title favorites. That said, ESPN’s latest analytics sparked a massive debate.
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“Fever’s pace or Aces’ half-court D – which actually wins a playoff series,” a commenter wrote in defense of the Fever. Another supporter said, “When AB, Kelsi and CC are in form, they’re formidable.”
“Indiana and Las Vegas sitting at the top of the title odds makes sense. Both teams look built for a deep run this season,” a fan added.
Critics, however, noted that teams like the Lynx and Wings were more deserving than the Fever.
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“The fever over the lynx bro ….seriously…4serious???? So yall not even trying to hide the bias no more huh…we are tired bruh,” an angry poster shared.
A fifth follower noted, “The Fever being on here over the Wings makes this list a joke.”
“I’m a fever fan but we all know ESPN is always off on predictions. I wonder who are those analysts… Fever is at best 3rd,” a sixth commenter admitted.
For what it’s worth, ESPN’s WNBA Basketball Power Index “accounts for game-by-game efficiency, strength of schedule, pace, days of rest, game location and preseason expectations” when evaluating teams.
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It remains to be seen if Clark and the Fever will be able to live up to the expectations placed on them, but as a team that has won seven of its last 10 games, Indiana is certainly trending in the right direction.
Related: Caitlin Clark Reveals True Feelings After WNBA All-Star Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
