American Airlines Center – Dallas, Texa
DALLAS, TX — June 26, 2025 — The stage is set for one of the most electrifying showdowns of the WNBA season as the Dallas Wings host the Indiana Fever on Friday night at a sold-out American Airlines Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT, and the game will air nationally on ION, headlining the league’s primetime broadcast.
Friday’s contest, dubbed “A Night in Dallas” and presented by Albert, will feature a marquee matchup of recent No. 1 overall draft picks — including Paige Bueckers (Dallas) and Caitlin Clark (Indiana) — who will share the pro stage for the first time since their epic duel in the 2024 NCAA Final Four. Rounding out the trio of top picks is Indiana’s Aliyah Boston, who continues to anchor the Fever’s frontcourt.
Wings Catching Fire
The Wings (4-12) are beginning to show signs of turning a corner after an up-and-down start to the season. Dallas has won three of its last four games, including a dominant 68-55 win over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday. That performance was fueled by Arike Ogunbowale’s 21-point night and a breakout double-double from center Li Yueru (10 points, 15 rebounds), who continues to solidify her role as a defensive anchor.
Paige Bueckers added 12 points and four assists in the win, showing her growing comfort running the offense as a rookie. With DiJonai Carrington still listed as day-to-day, the Wings have leaned heavily on contributions from Aziaha James, Myisha Hines-Allen, and Kaila Charles, who all provided crucial minutes off the bench.
Fever Look to Rebound
The Fever (7-8) enter Friday’s matchup looking to bounce back after a Thursday night loss to the Los Angeles Sparks (85-75) at home. Indiana was without Caitlin Clark, who was ruled out pregame with a left groin injury. Her status for Friday remains uncertain, but the Fever have proven capable of staying competitive without her, thanks to strong backcourt play from Kelsey Mitchell (20 points vs. LA) and steady interior production from Boston.
Clark’s availability will be a major storyline heading into the national broadcast. If she plays, it will be her first head-to-head meeting with Bueckers in the pros — a rematch fans have circled since April.
Storylines to Watch
- Star Power Spotlight: All eyes will be on Bueckers and (potentially) Clark, two of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball.
- Li Yueru’s Emergence: After a career night on the glass, can Yueru maintain her momentum against a frontcourt led by Boston?
- Pace & Perimeter Battle: Both teams like to run — and both rely on volume three-point shooting. Whichever squad finds rhythm early could control the tempo.
Broadcast Coverage
Ron Thulin will call the action alongside Fran Harris and Nancy Lieberman, with sideline coverage from Tiffany Bias-Patmon, a former Wings standout herself.
What’s Next
Friday’s contest kicks off Dallas’ first back-to-back set of the season, with the Wings hosting the Washington Mystics on Saturday night at College Park Center. The Fever, meanwhile, continue their road trip with a stop in Atlanta on Sunday.
Projected Starting Lineups
Dallas Wings
G – Paige Bueckers
G – Arike Ogunbowale
F – NaLyssa Smith
F – Kaila Charles
C – Li Yueru
Indiana Fever
G – Caitlin Clark*
G – Kelsey Mitchell
F – Lexie Hull
F – NaLyssa Hill
C – Aliyah Boston
*Clark’s status remains questionable.
