The Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever continued their strong run in the 2025 WNBA semifinals. They drew first blood against title favorites Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the semifinals.
Kelsey Mitchell’s 34-point masterclass, coupled with timely contributions from Odyssey Sims (17 points) and Natasha Howard (12 points), saw the Fever notch up a dominant 89-73 win at the Michelob Ultra Arena. The impressive win prompted analyst Rachel DeMita to make a bold prediction about the Fever’s Finals chances.
Rachel DeMita Drops Early Hot Take on Indiana Fever’s Finals Chances
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita made an early prediction on the Fever’s Finals chances, while also predicting who their opponents would be. “I know it’s way too early, but Fever vs. Mercury Finals would feed families,” DeMita tweeted.
I know it’s way too early.. but Fever vs. Mercury Finals would feed families
— Rachel A DeMita (@RADeMita) September 21, 2025
DeMita’s bold take stems from Indiana’s gutsy postseason run so far. They stunned the Atlanta Dream 2-1 in the first round. That they can fend off quality sides in the absence of Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald shows the team’s mentality to compete.
Their gritty style of ball and smart decision-making by head coach Stephanie White have yielded success. It’s worth noting that the Aces are no pushovers, and while they did taste defeat in the first game, they have enough in their arsenal to eliminate the Fever. With MVP A’ja Wilson dropping videogame numbers, the Aces cannot be counted out yet, and Game 2 looks to be certain.
Another interesting point was DeMita picking the Mercury, another underdog side playing against the title contenders, the Minnesota Lynx. Led by Napheesa Collier, the Lynx powered through in the first round past the Golden State Valkyries. They beat Phoenix 82-69 Â and are favorites to make the next round.
Mercury boasts some skilled operators in Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper, who have all been instrumental in the team’s success. Like the Fever, they have punched well above their weight to make the playoffs. But they play a more well-rounded unit in Minnesota who have been clinical on both ends of the floor.
A Fever vs. Mercury Finals will be the classic underdog showdown. That said, their respective opponents are equally tough to get past. Both the Aces and Lynx have been looked at as favorites to win the championship.
The Indiana Fever will look to stun Las Vegas in Game 2 to continue their dream run, and only time will tell if the Mercury can do the same against the Lynx.
