Mercury, Fever hook up in Indiana

Phoenix has finished Under the total in five of the last six games, including each of the past four road contests. The Fever are riding a 5-2 Over run the previous seven games.

Since losing consecutive home games to Los Angeles and Golden State, Indiana has won three straight contests at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MATCHUPS

Indiana captured all three matchups from Phoenix last season, as Fever guard Caitlin Clark led the charge in all three victories. However, Clark remains sidelined with a groin injury, as she is expected to miss her 15th game of the season.

These teams will meet again in Phoenix in the final game of Indiana's four-game western swing on August 7.

FIRST QUARTER BETTING TRENDS

Indiana closed the first half of the season on an 0-5 against the spread slump in the first quarter. The Fever have rebounded by going 3-0 ATS in the last three games in the opening 10 minutes.

The Mercury have trailed through 10 minutes in five of the last six games, including each of the past five on the road. Phoenix has gone Over the first quarter total in three straight games, while allowing at least 23 points each time.

BETTING PREDICTION

In spite of the Fever playing well at home recently, the Mercury are not only the better team, but are healthy now.

Last season, Mercury guard Kahleah Copper scored 32 and 36 points in the two losses at Indiana.

The Fever have covered all four games in the home underdog role, while the Mercury have won four of five games as a road favorite.

Best Bet: Mercury -4 (DraftKings)