The Indiana Fever are set to open their 2025 WNBA season with high expectations after a promising playoff run last year. With the addition of several key veterans and the return of their young core, the Fever hope to establish themselves as a contender early, starting with a heated matchup against the Chicago Sky.

All eyes will be on Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, who averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game in her debut season. Indiana has retooled around her, adding six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner, two-time All-Star Natasha Howard, and defensive anchor Brianna Turner. Meanwhile, former top pick Aliyah Boston and sharpshooter Kelsey Mitchell return to solidify the core.

The Chicago Sky, looking to rebound after missing last year's playoffs, are led by rookie sensation Angel Reese. The former LSU star, drafted third overall, brings grit and rebounding prowess to a Sky team that's trying to find its identity under head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. However, Chicago will be without Moriah Jefferson (leg), and Hailey Van Lith remains questionable with an ankle injury.

Tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse is at 3 p.m. ET, and the crowd in Indianapolis is electric, welcoming the new-look Fever with playoff-level energy. The matchup marks a continuation of a rivalry that intensified last season, when physical play and emotional finishes became the norm between the two franchises.

Clark's leadership will be tested early, especially with Sophie Cunningham sidelined (ankle). But the backcourt duo of Clark and Mitchell is expected to carry the offensive load, while Boston and Howard control the paint.

Reese, meanwhile, is expected to debut with a strong interior presence, and ESPN's Alexa Philippou noted earlier this week that the rookie's rebounding and hustle could be a difference-maker against Indiana's frontcourt.

Follow along for real-time updates as the Fever aim to start the season with a statement win.

Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky LIVE Updates: Clark, Reese Face Off in Season Opener

The WNBA wasted no time delivering marquee matchups as the 2025 season heats up. Saturday's showdown between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky isn't just about kicking off the year -- it's about setting the tone for what could be one of the league's fiercest rivalries.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two of the W's most talked-about young stars, square off for the first of five meetings this season. It's a matchup fans circled the moment the schedule dropped.

Indiana is coming off a perfect 3-0 preseason and looks re-energized under new head coach Stephanie White. The front office didn't waste the offseason, bringing in veteran firepower like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson to balance out a young core led by Clark, 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell.

That mix of experience and talent? It's starting to feel like something real.

Chicago had a solid preseason (2-1) under their own new head coach, Tyler Marsh. The Sky bring plenty of excitement with 2024 rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso joining forces with returning champion Courtney Vandersloot.

It's a fresh start in the Windy City -- and they're hoping it blows straight into playoff contention.

Clark finished her rookie season averaging 19.2 points and 8.4 assists. Reese, in contrast, dominated the glass with 13.1 rebounds per game -- more than any other rookie. ESPN's Alexa Philippou noted that Reese's "grit and rebounding edge" could be a difference-maker against Indiana's frontcourt.

It's not just hype. It's real production.

Sophie Cunningham is out for the Fever with an ankle injury. Chicago will be without guard Moriah Jefferson (leg), and Hailey Van Lith remains questionable with an ankle tweak.

That opens the door for more touches from players like Colson and Cardoso -- and potentially shifts the tempo of the game.

The Caitlin-Aliyah chemistry continues to evolve, and Indiana fans are eager to see what Bonner and Howard add to the mix. Meanwhile, Reese's matchup against Boston in the paint could be physical early and often.

With two new head coaches, fresh rotations, and young stars with a lot to prove, this game could offer a preview of a playoff clash months down the road.