With a good draft and preseason experience, Indiana looks to bounce back from last year’s last-place finish.
With a short WNBA preseason of just two games, it’s difficult to get an accurate read on the Indiana Fever. But here’s what we know for sure.
Stephanie Mavunga (photo, IndyStar)
The Fever had an excellent 2018 draft and the newbies made an immediate contribution during preseason games. Indiana was formidable against the Chicago Sky in game one with rookie Stephanie Mavunga and the newly acquired Alexis Peterson giving strong performances off the bench.
The bench came through again in game two against the Washington Mystics. This time the star was #2 overall pick, Kelsey Mitchell.
But the 81-56 loss also revealed a team weakness. One potential issue was switching in center Kayla Alexander for strong forward Candice Dupree. If correct, it means the Fever will need to make adjustments to solidify the 5-position.
Because the season’s first two games are against the very same Sky and Mystics, the preseason experience could give the Fever momentum to the quest to get back to the playoffs.
Saturday, May 19, home opener, v. Sky, 1 p.
Sunday, May 20, road opener, v. Mystics, 1 p.
