Mystics vs Fever Live Score & Highlights: Caitlin Clark Faces Ariel Atkins in Must-Watch WNBA Battle

Washington Mystics vs Indiana Fever collide tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a pivotal Commissioner’s Cup showdown that could reshape the early-season WNBA standings. The Mystics (3-4) already hold a 1-0 edge in the four-game series after an 83-77 win on May 28, while the Fever (2-4) are desperate to halt a three-game skid and protect home court. Key storylines Caitlin Clark sidelined Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark (right quad) has been ruled out until at least June 10, robbing Indiana of its leading playmaker (19.0 ppg, 9.3 apg). Her absence shifts scoring pressure to Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith, while All-Star Aliyah Boston must dominate the paint against a physical Mystics front line. Mystics hunting consistency Washington snapped a four-game losing streak last week by beating these same Fever behind Brittney Sykes’ 26 points and relentless rim pressure. Sykes (league-best 21.7 ppg) teams with rookie rebound machine Kiki Iriafen (10.1 rpg) to give the Mystics a balanced inside-outside punch. If Washington wins tonight it jumps to .500 and stays within striking distance of the Liberty atop the East. Matchup to watch: Boston vs Iriafen Boston’s soft touch and elite footwork (9.2 rpg, 55 % FG) anchor the Fever, but Iriafen’s energy on the glass (3.1 offensive boards per game) has powered Washington’s transition attack. Whichever young post controls second-chance points likely swings the outcome. Pace and perimeter shooting Indiana ranks third in scoring (85.3 ppg) yet surrenders 80.5 ppg, a stat that looms large without Clark’s long-range threat. Washington shoots just 40.8 % from the field but forced 17 turnovers in the last meeting, converting them into an 11-0 fast-break advantage. Expect the Mystics to trap early and dare the Fever’s secondary guards to beat them from deep. What’s at stake • Commissioner’s Cup points: Tonight’s winner grabs a crucial tiebreaker in Cup play. • Momentum: The Fever have dates with the Sky and Dream looming; another loss could spiral into a daunting road stretch. • Playoff positioning: An expanded postseason means every early result matters—especially in a tightening Eastern Conference race. Projected starting lineups Mystics: PG Natasha Cloud – SG Brittney Sykes – SF Ariel Atkins – PF Kiki Iriafen – C Shakira Austin Fever: PG Erica Wheeler – SG Kelsey Mitchell – SF Victaria Saxon – PF NaLyssa Smith – C Aliyah Boston Injury report Washington: Georgia Amoore (groin) questionable. Indiana: Clark (quad) out, Sophie Cunningham (ankle) out. Betting odds (ESPN BET) Indiana opened as a 4.5-point favorite, but the line has shrunk to 3.5 with Clark sidelined. The total sits at 161.5, matching the teams’ combined average scoring output. How to watch Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET, Tuesday, June 3 TV: NBA TV; Streaming: WNBA League Pass Bottom line The Mystics’ physical defense and Sykes’ downhill attacks handed Indiana its last defeat. If the Fever can protect the ball and get double-digit scoring from Smith and Mitchell, they can even the season series despite Clark’s absence. Otherwise, Washington’s depth—and its knack for turning turnovers into transition buckets—could send Indiana to a season-high four-game slump.