The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, could be a threat in the playoffs – Source: Getty

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have been on a hot streak, winning every game since the WNBA’s Olympic break. Through 28 games, the Fever have achieved a 13-15 record, placing them seventh in the league, which is a playoff spot.

Just above them are the 15-14 Phoenix Mercury, featuring stars like Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper, while below them are the 11-16 Chicago Sky, led by Angel Reese.

With 12 games remaining, the Clark-led Fever have strong playoff chances. Although they were a lottery team last year, they’ve developed strengths that could make them contenders.

Here are reasons why veteran teams should be cautious of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in the WNBA playoffs:

5 reasons why veteran teams shouldn’t wish to face Caitlin Clark in WNBA Playoffs

#1. Caitlin Clark boosts the Fever’s fast-paced play

The Indiana Fever rank fifth in the league in pace with 97.07, thanks to Clark’s point guard skills. Her playmaking abilities and knack for creating transition opportunities can catch opponents off guard, providing a quick-strike offense for the Fever.

Sue Bird mentioned on the “A Touch More” podcast that the Fever’s fast pace makes them a threat to slower teams in the playoffs.

“I think what I’ve learned in my WNBA experience is that the pace of play trumps physicality. It trumps size. It can trump experience. Because a lot of times when you’re experienced, it’s really like code word for you’re a veteran, which is code for old,” she said.

“And what I see in Caitlin, what I see in Kelsey Mitchell, they’re just like ramming it down people’s throats. And it’s really hard; it can have your head spinning.”

#2. The Fever have a genuine home-court advantage

Caitlin Clark has helped the Indiana Fever fill arenas for their games. While the “Caitlin Clark effect” draws fans even from other states, her comfort in playing before large crowds primes her team for primetime.

Although the Fever are currently seventh, which would only give them one home game in the first round, opponents should still be cautious.

#3. Caitlin Clark and Co. are young and hungry

The Fever are far from a one-woman show. Besides Caitlin Clark, who averages 17.8 points, 8.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game, they have three other players scoring in double digits.

Kelsey Mitchell averages 17.7 points per game, Aliyah Boston contributes 14.0 points, along with career highs of 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 blocks per game, and NaLyssa Smith adds 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Additionally, their bench has explosive potential, with players like Lexie Hull, who recently scored a career-high 22 points.

#4. The Fever are catching fire

The Fever have turned their season around, winning 12 of their last 19 games after starting with five straight losses.

Their recent strong play could carry over into the postseason, making them a serious threat.

#5. Clark and Co. face a challenging end to the regular season against playoff-bound teams

The Fever have 12 games left, with the next five—a tough stretch over nine days—against strong teams like the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky, with only the Sun game at home.

After that, they’ll enjoy six consecutive home games against the LA Sparks, Lynx, Dream, the Aces twice and the Dallas Wings.

They’ll finish their regular season on Sept. 19 against the Washington Mystics.

While their schedule looks challenging, it will be a true test. If they secure a playoff spot, the Fever could become a force to reckon with in the postseason.