Caitlin Clark Readies for WNBA Debut Against Sun
Fever vs Sun Betting Odds Tab Connecticut as -285 ML Favorite
The WNBA is back. The new season tips off Tuesday, highlighted by Caitlin Clark’s professional debut.
The Indiana Fever-Connecticut Sun game is a hot ticket, as the Sun are expecting a sellout crowd of over 8,000 at Mohegan Sun Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Connecticut is a 7-point favorite (-108) and -285 on the moneyline, with Indiana +230 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is 166.5.
What should bettors expect? Read on as we break down the Fever vs Sun betting odds in our WNBA game preview.
Indiana Fever vs Connecticut Sun
Day/Time:
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena; Uncasville, Conn.
Streaming: ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+
Wait is Over for Clark
Caitlin Clark debuts as the most anticipated rookie in WNBA history. The No. 1 overall pick and former Iowa star is coming off an historic season that saw her average 31.6 points to set the NCAA’s all-time scoring record.
The sharpshooting guard immediately becomes one of the faces of the league as she teams with reigning Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston to jumpstart the Fever. Indiana has not reached the postseason since 2016, but Clark’s arrival has seemingly rejuvenated hopes for the oft-struggling franchise.
Indiana is -400 to end its playoff drought, in addition to +2500 to win the WNBA title. Those are the fifth shortest odds on the board, a considerable leap on the heels of last season’s 13-27 finish in the WNBA standings.
Clark looked the part in her preseason debut against Dallas, debuting with 21 points on five 3-pointers. She followed that up with 12 points, eight turnovers and six assists against Atlanta. Clark committed 11 turnovers in two games, reminding everyone her transition to the professional game won’t be seamless. But she was impressive nonetheless.
For the sake of perspective, projections have her averaging 21.9 points. She is also an overwhelming favorite to win Rookie of the Year at -700. As such, she faces immense pressure. But she should get help from a strong supporting cast including Boston and NaLyssa Smith. That is important to remember when analyzing the Fever vs Sun betting odds.
Sun Rising Again
The Sun kept its core intact, preserving its place as a legitimate championship contender. Alyssa Thomas is back. So, too, are DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones, who missed most of last season with an Achilles tear.
Nicknamed “The Engine,” Thomas is one of the most indispensable players in the league. She finished third in the MVP voting in 2023 after recording 28 double-doubles, six triple-doubles and a single-season record 316 assists.
The Sun won 27 games and reached the WNBA semifinals, losing to New York.
Still chasing their first championship, the Sun are -2000 to make the playoffs and +1200 to win the title. Only two-time defending champion Las Vegas (-105) and New York (+240) open with better championship odds.
Health is a big factor, as Connecticut is a veteran-laden squad. Thomas (32) and Bonner (36) are both over 30, while the 28-year-old Jones hasn’t appeared in a regular season game in almost 11 months. She played 10 minutes in the preseason against New York, recording two rebounds and six assists.
If Connecticut’s able to keep its lineup intact, it will be in the mix until the end of the WNBA schedule. The talent is there.
Handicapping the Game
Clark is shouldering massive expectations ahead of her debut. No WNBA player has ever averaged 30 points in a season — Diana Taurasi holds the single-season scoring record at 25.5 points per game in 2006 — so it’s unreasonable to think she will match her production from college. That said, Clark is a unique talent, capable of scoring from practically anywhere on the floor.
She displayed her shooting touch in the preseason, averaging 16.5 points along with 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists. But she has obviously never faced WNBA defenses on a consistent basis.
How will she adjust? WNBA scores will be telling.
Connecticut was the WNBA’s stingiest defensive team last season, allowing a league-low 79 points per game. That could make things difficult for Clark out of the gate. Be sure to keep that in mind when assessing the Fever vs Sun betting odds.
For Sun series odds, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
