2023 Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics Season Matchup Preview

Regular Season: Fever aim to find footing after slow start

The Indiana Fever began the 2023 season with high hopes after acquiring star forward Victoria Vivians and re-signing key players like recent All-Star Kelsey Mitchell. However, the Fever stumbled out of the gate, dropping their first two games of the season. They have since picked up a win, but still sit at 1-2 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Several factors have contributed to the Fever's rough start. First, they have struggled to find consistency on the offensive end, ranking near the bottom of the league in both points per game and field goal percentage.

Second, the Fever have been plagued by injuries, with Vivians missing the first two games of the season and Mitchell playing through a foot injury. In addition, the Fever have had to deal with the departure of longtime head coach Marianne Stanley, who stepped down in February.

Regular Season: Mystics look to build on last season's success

The Washington Mystics are coming off a successful 2022 season, in which they finished with a 22-14 record and reached the WNBA semifinals. The Mystics were led by Elena Delle Donne, who averaged 19.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Delle Donne is one of the best players in the WNBA and will be looking to lead the Mystics to another deep playoff run in 2023.

In addition to Delle Donne, the Mystics have a number of other talented players, including Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, and Myisha Hines-Allen. Cloud is one of the best point guards in the league, and Atkins is a rising star who averaged 15.1 points per game last season.

The Mystics will be looking to build on last season's success and make a run at the WNBA championship in 2023.

Here are three key matchups to watch in the Fever vs. Mystics game:

Key Matchup 1: Elena Delle Donne vs. Victoria Vivians

• Delle Donne is one of the best players in the WNBA, while Vivians is a rising star.
• This matchup will be key in determining which team controls the paint.
• Delle Donne has the size and strength to post up Vivians, while Vivians has the quickness and athleticism to get around Delle Donne.

Key Matchup 2: Natasha Cloud vs. Kelsey Mitchell

• Cloud is one of the best point guards in the league, while Mitchell is a rising star.
• This matchup will be key in determining which team controls the tempo of the game.
• Cloud is a great passer and defender, while Mitchell is a dynamic scorer.

Key Matchup 3: Myisha Hines-Allen vs. Aaliyah Boston

• Hines-Allen is a rising star, while Boston is a rookie.
• This matchup will be key in determining which team controls the boards.
• Hines-Allen is a strong rebounder, while Boston is a good shot blocker.

Prediction

The Mystics are the more experienced and talented team, and they should be favored to win this game. However, the Fever have a few key players who could make a difference, and they could be a threat to upset the Mystics if they can play to their potential.