Fever Host Wings in WNBA Opener with Clark Facing Bueckers

The Indiana Fever host the Dallas Wings today in a matchup featuring Caitlin Clark against Paige Bueckers, marking the official start of women's basketball for most fans.

The Wings revamped their roster in the offseason. They remain led by Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale but added last year's co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd. This marks the second straight season with the top draft pick for Dallas. The team hopes the two UConn stars, acquired in back-to-back years, can improve on last year's 10 wins. Questions linger about the supporting cast, but Fudd could thrive if defenses key on Bueckers and Ogunbowale.

The Fever rely heavily on their "Tres Leches" trio, but two other players stand out. Aliyah Boston, the former No. 1 pick, signed a big extension after her best season yet. Kelsey Mitchell averaged a career-high 20.2 points last year and carried the team to the WNBA Semifinals before a loss to the Aces. Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham add depth as skilled role players. Hull emerged as a deep shooter, while Cunningham brings toughness, outside shooting and defense after injury.

Clark played just 13 games last season. Expect her to log fewer than 30 minutes today as the Fever ease her back. Rumors suggest she will play off the ball this year, a shift from the full-court pressure of the past two seasons.

Both teams face adjustments. The Wings debut a new coach, teammates and rookie Fudd. Neither side should produce a high-scoring affair despite last year's poor Wings defense and the Fever's scoring bursts. The total of 175.5 points is too high; teams won't hit 85 to 90 points each in Game 1. Last year, when Dallas defended worse, combined totals in their four games reached 175, 185, 166 and 161 points. Take the under.