Caitlin Clark cruises to Rookie of the Year Award and 2 other Fever predictions post-Olympics
The Indiana Fever finished the first portion of the 2024 WNBA season with an underwhelming 11-15 record. Indiana is still in third place in the Eastern Conference, though. They are on track to make a postseason run in 2024 with Caitlin Clark, Kelsy Mitchell and Aliyah Boston leading the way. So how will the Fever play following the Olympic break?
The Fever feature no shortage of potential. There are also plenty of intriguing storylines surrounding the team. Without further ado, here are three predictions for the Fever after the Olympics.
1. Caitlin Clark wins WNBA Rookie of the Year Award without any trouble
Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese. It's a rivalry that developed in college and has followed both players into the WNBA. As of this story's writing, Clark and Reese are in the middle of an intense WNBA Rookie of the Year race.
The prediction here is that Clark will pull away from Reese during the final month of the regular season. Of course, the Fever and Chicago Sky's performance will play a role in determining the winner. Indiana has the potential to climb the standings and help Clark's case out as well.
Clark has averaged 17.1 points per game in 2024. She is shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from beyond the arc. The Fever guard is also recording 5.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per contest. It should be noted that Clark is averaging an unsightly 5.6 turnovers per game, a mark that she needs to improve upon moving forward.
There is a reason Clark was selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, though. She is still getting comfortable in the WNBA, but the sky's the limit for her. This prediction has nothing to do with Reese, as she will likely enjoy a strong second half as well. However, Clark will have an opportunity to cement herself as the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
2. Aliyah Boston leads Eastern Conference in blocks
Boston, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Award winner, has taken a step forward as a defender in 2024. She is a steady offensive presence, but Boston's defense makes her a tremendous two-way player.
Boston's chances of leading the entire WNBA in blocks per game are slim since A'ja Wilson currently holds the lead with a mark of 2.8. Boston is averaging 1.5 blocks per outing which is tied for fifth overall in the league. She is tied for second in the Eastern Conference, though, trailing only Alanna Smith's 1.8 blocks per game.
There is plenty of competition in this statistic but look for Boston to be leading the Eastern Conference in blocks per game when the 2024 regular season comes to an end.
3. Fever finish the season with a record of above .500
The Fever are set to enter the second half of the 2024 campaign with a record that is four games below .500. With Clark and Boston leading the charge, though, Indiana is poised for a big second half. As a result, the Fever should be able to play a more consistent all-around brand of basketball.
The Fever will finish 2024 with a winning record.