Indiana Fever is Seattle's sister expansion team from 2000 probably has better claim to the comparison because, like the Storm, the Fever stacked veteran players on its roster during the offseason. But unlike Seattle and more like Boston, the three players the Fever has in its lineup — Tamika Catchings, Katie Douglas and Ebony Hoffman — have never reached the WNBA Finals. And the Fever (6-4) truly stresses defense, holding opponents to a league-best 67.2 points on 39.3 percent shooting from the field.

The Storm began the season with that mentality, buoyed by the offensive boost from Cash, who averaged 16.1 points in the opening six games. But small defensive lapses in the past three games, plus an injury to Griffith, led to a three-game losing streak. Indiana will be a formidable test for the Storm because Catchings and Douglas are known for their defense, and Douglas ranks seventh in the WNBA, averaging 18.4 points per game.

"Katie's not the quickest player, but she figures out ways to get her shot off and to help her teammates as well," Bird said. "And she's a very good defender. She's going to be a very tough matchup. But it's not just one player, it's the team. We've got to help each other out."

Catchings is playing in just her third game since returning from a torn right Achilles suffered in the Eastern Conference finals last season. She's limited to 15 minutes of play, according to Dunn.

Prediction

I don't want to predict winner here because I respect Indiana Fever with addition of T.Catchings into the roster. She should bring more offensive production to this team from the paint because so far Indiana was too much relied on K.Douglas-White-Bevilaqua shooting. With Catchings under basket they should become more stronger on offensive end. For today's game bookmakers set 66.5 total for Indiana and 71 for Seattle. As for me this line have understimation of Indiana offense only because of their poor game against SA stars who press a lot on 3-point line. Indiana Fever is a 68-75 points team and I would not be surprised to see them in the 70's today in Seattle.

Seattle allowed more than 68 in 8 of last 10 games and I have doubts about their ability to close close Indiana under 68 points today. But for sure Seattle after 3 losses should be more angry and motivated to win this game and that is why I hold them correct favorites in today's matchup. At home they always were a real power and we must respect them especially when they healthy. Against Indiana Seattle usually feels well offensively and with addition of Kelly Santos (returned from her international duties) they should get more points from the bench.

Also these teams have one "over" trend I can't ignore. They are 7-2 on over in last 9 h-2-h games and today I see 3 different scenarios but all ending with total over 137.5:

1) Seattle explode and wins by double digits 79:64
2) Close game and Seattle wins at the end 74:69
3) Close game, Seattle fails in offense and Indiana's victory: 67:74

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