No better way to start a new WNBA season than with a rivalry. The Chicago Sky tip off their 2025 campaign against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever as all eyes will be on her and Angel Reese going head-to-head for the fifth time since the two were drafted last season.
Holding a 3-1 record (including Commissioner's Cup) over the Sky's head since the 2024 season, the Fever will look to add another notch to the win column as the Sky will try to even the score. But the visitors may have their hands full with a loaded Indiana roster that can likely run circles around this young Chicago team due to their newfound veteran presence surrounding Clark.
As we prepare for another round of Reese vs. Clark, let's take a look at some props and my top WNBA picks for Saturday, May 17.
Angel Reese best bet
Angel Reese to record 15+ points (-120 at FanDuel)
The double-double machine that is Angel Reese steps into another matchup, facing Caitlin Clark. Their notorious rivalry made headlines when the two were wrapping up their collegiate careers at LSU and Iowa, respectively. Some might think the rivalry would have fizzled once they were drafted into the WNBA, but that's not the case.
The rivalry is still very much going strong, and if there's anyone who's making sure of it, then it's definitely Angel Reese.
After facing the Indiana Fever four times last season, the Chicago Sky managed to keep it close in three of their four meetings, which showed hope for the up-and-coming Sky squad. This time around is different. The Fever have made notable offseason moves to bolster their roster with the additions of DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and more.
This may be too much for this particular Sky team to handle as they're still finding their way under the guidance of new head coach, Tyler Marsh, who brings experience from his time with the Las Vegas Aces.
But Reese is a different breed, and there's nothing that ignites that fire within her like facing Indiana.
In their previous matchups, Reese recorded 8, 11, 25, and 10 points against the Fever. Reese to go Over 15 points is enticing for today's particular matchup for all of the right reasons: She's back after an injury that cut her 2024 season short, points are to be proven against a rival, and of course, no one wants to start their season off with a loss.
I'm taking Reese to have a prolific performance, even if the Sky can't come up with a win.
Caitlin Clark best bet
Caitlin Clark to score 20+ points (-150 at FanDuel)
This is a no-brainer. It's Caitlin Clark, a scoring machine. As the superstar guard begins her sophomore season with the Indiana Fever, she can breathe a little bit easier knowing (and seeing) who's surrounding her on this year's roster. The Fever is not only setting Clark up for success, but also themselves as a whole.
But let's get to the obvious: how they start can set the tone for the early part of what the league can expect from this team.
With their first regular season assignment being the Sky, the Fever can feel confident in getting through this matchup without it being by the skin of their teeth, much like their previous meetings last season.
In those, Clark put up 11, 23, 17, and 31 points. To me, it's important to note how significant their last face-off was for Clark and the Fever. Not only did they finally crush Chicago, but Clark had her second-highest scoring night of her rookie season in that game while shooting an impressive 57.1% from the field.
It was as if the Fever cracked the code on how to handle the Sky with ease, and I see that carrying right into their season opener.
At the end of the 2024 season, the Indiana Fever seemingly started to put the pieces to the puzzle in having success as a team and with additions who can place an even bigger emphasis on elevating that, I see them picking up where they left off and earning a statement win at home behind a reinvigorated Clark leading them for the Over on her points prop.
Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark same-game parlay
Caitlin Clark to score 20+ points
Angel Reese to 15+ points
Caitlin Clark to record 6+ assists
As previously mentioned above, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have no issues with scoring. If anything, that is the least of their worries, and nothing motivates them more than facing each other. I'm confident that these two will start the season with a bang, taking on the role of offensive leader in this game, which makes them a good bet for the Over on both of their points props.
A fearless leader gets their teammates to trust them and gets them involved; this is where I see Clark being a heavy facilitator in the opener. Clark has recorded well over this number when facing the Sky throughout the 2024 season —where she racked up 6, 9, 13, and 12 assists — and I don't see her having difficulty doing the same in this matchup.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Same-game parlay
