​The Indiana Fever head to Phoenix for a high-profile WNBA matchup against the Mercury on July 9, in what could be one of the more intriguing nights of the season. Indiana stands at 12-9, while Phoenix sits at 8-14, and the two teams already shared a tense set of games in Indianapolis on June 22 and June 24. Those meetings included a heated clash between Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner that resulted in five technical fouls in the first game, and a controversial moment when Alyssa Thomas of Phoenix pressed her fist toward Clark’s throat during a loose-ball scramble in the second game. That incident led to a delayed suspension and sparked a nationwide discussion about how players are treated during competitive play.
Indiana’s top contributors this season include Kelsey Mitchell, who averages 21.9 points per game while shooting 39.7 percent from three-point range; Caitlin Clark, who is averaging 21.2 points and 8.2 assists; and Aliyah Boston, delivering 17.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a 45.1 percent three-point clip. The Fever recently fell to the Los Angeles Sparks, continuing a stretch of strong play but leaving them hungry for a bounce-back win. For Phoenix, Kahleah Copper is pouring in 20.8 points per game, and Alysha Thomas is contributing 14.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds to the Mercury’s effort.
Here are the essential details you should know about Thursday’s game: The Fever visit the Mercury at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 9. The game will be played at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix and will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. For Indiana, Caitlin Clark will be unavailable due to an injury to her back, while Aliyah Boston is listed as available despite a lower-leg concern. Phoenix will be without Natasha Mack (foot) and Sami Whitcomb (knee) for their most recent game.
Key players to watch include Clark for Indiana, who averages 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game on efficient shooting marks—43.0 percent from the field, 34.4 percent from three, and 85.4 percent from the free-throw line. Boston adds a versatile inside-out threat with 17.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a strong three-point shooting presence. On the Phoenix side, Copper leads the team with an impactful 20.8 points per game, complemented by Thomas’s all-around production of 14.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds.
Tickets and viewing options are available for those planning to follow the action. Fans can find Fever tickets on StubHub, and the game will also be shown on Prime Video, allowing subscribers to stream the matchup. For those looking to preview the action in broader terms, the Fever and Mercury have had a dramatic recent history, including the earlier confrontations in June, which provided a charged context for this rematch.
In terms of recent results and upcoming schedule, the Fever have a tight slate ahead. After the July 9 game against Phoenix, Indiana travels to face the Las Vegas Aces on July 12 at 9 p.m. on NBC, followed by a July 15 home game against the Golden State Valkyries at 8 p.m. on USA Network. The remainder of July and into August will see Indiana continue a rigorous road and home schedule, facing teams such as Seattle, Minnesota, New York, and Chicago across national and local broadcasts.
For those tracking the latest developments, the Fever’s recent results include a May 9 loss to the Dallas Wings, a May 13 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, and other games within the season that have contributed to Indiana’s current standing. The upcoming game against Phoenix will be another opportunity for Indiana to showcase its depth, execute its offensive sets, and contend with a Mercury squad looking to rebound from a challenging stretch.
As fans prepare for Thursday night’s matchup, the core storylines to follow will include the continuing impact of Caitlin Clark’s production and leadership for Indiana, Aliyah Boston’s multi-faceted contributions on both ends of the floor, and how Phoenix adapts after their injuries and the national attention generated by the June incidents. This game promises to be more than a routine regular-season contest; it is a chance for both teams to assert themselves and set momentum heading toward the second half of the season. If you’re planning to catch the action, tune in to Prime Video and follow the live updates for all the key moments, standout performances, and potential turning points that could shape the rest of the calendar.