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ESPN Model Makes Pick For Fever vs. Sky Opening Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 15, 2025 2:15 PM ET

The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky begin their 2025 WNBA seasons by reigniting a simmering rivalry this weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, the Fever will host the Sky in the first of five regular-season matchups. ABC will televise the game as part of a doubleheader after the New York Liberty commence their title defense against the Las Vegas Aces.

Expectations are soaring for Indiana following several significant offseason moves. After going 20-20 last season, the Fever possess the WNBA's third-shortest odds to win the 2025 championship on DraftKings Sportsbook behind the Liberty and Aces.

Indiana is a 7.5-point favorite to start its season with a home victory. ESPN Analytics also backs a Fever triumph, giving them a 69.7 percent win probability over the Sky.

Last year, a young Fever squad overcame a 1-8 start to snap a seven-year playoff drought. Caitlin Clark matured throughout her rookie season, averaging 19.2 points and a league-high 8.4 assists per game.

Indiana will seek a stronger start behind new head coach Stephanie White, whose Connecticut Sun eliminated the Fever last postseason. White returns to the Fever sideline after steering the organization to the 2015 WNBA Finals.

A busy offseason saw the Fever re-sign All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell and add considerable veteran experience to the roster. DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson have each won multiple championships throughout their careers.

Meanwhile, the Sky also look to take the next step behind a second-year star and new head coach.

Angel Reese won the WNBA rebounding title and set a record for consecutive double-doubles during an All-Star rookie season. The forward scored a career-high 25 points in Chicago's lone win over the Fever.

The Sky replaced Teresa Weatherspoon with Tyler Marsh, who will make his WNBA head coaching debut after working as an assistant for the Aces and Indiana Pacers. After going 13-27, Chicago reunited Reese with former LSU teammate Hailey Van Lith and acquired two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins from the Washington Mystics.

Chicago also brought back longtime franchise stalwart Courtney Vandersloot. However, the league's active all-time assists leader is questionable for Saturday's game due to a rib injury.

The Fever and Sky tip off their season at 3 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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