INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 17: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts late in the game against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 17, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
It took a while, but we’re back! The New York Liberty have been off for the past week thanks to a tricky combination of flight issues and inclement weather in New York and Dallas. They were able to get a practice before takeoff on Friday morning and hope the extra days can help them get back on the right track.
The opponent tonight is always into something. As usual, the Indiana Fever find themselves in the middle of a national story. However, the focus this time is what’s happening on the court. They were in a dogfight with the Seattle Storm last night, but held on for a 110-107 victory in front of the hometown faithful.
Game Info & Broadcast Details
Matchup: New York Liberty (13-11) vs. Indiana Fever (15-10)
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Tip-Off Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)
TV Channel: CBS (National Broadcast)
Live Stream: Paramount+ / Fubo
Liberty vs. Fever Injury Report: Who’s Out?
New York Liberty Injury Status:
OUT: Leonie Fiebich (Left foot soreness)
OUT: Satou Sabally (Concussion protocol)
Indiana Fever Injury Status:
EXPECTED TO RETURN: Aliyah Boston (Right lower leg rest management)
The Game
New York won the first meeting.
If the Liberty want to get back in the winner’s circle, it starts with rebounding. During their three game losing streak, they’ve allowed ill-timed offensive rebounds that have extended possessions and burned them late. Whether in man coverage or zone defense, they’ve got to be better and more decisive on the glass. If they do, it’ll help them prevent second chance opportunities, help them get out in transition, and get them some easy buckets.
They’ll face a tall task on the inside tonight.
Aliyah Boston hasn’t played in back-to-backs this season, so it was no surprise she missed last night’s game. She should be back tonight and will look to have a better performance tonight as compared to the first meeting between these teams earlier in the season. Without Boston, the Fever’s interior defense is porous and ripe for exploitation. Seattle took full advantage of Boston’s absence by scoring 66 points in the paint last night, and the Liberty are at their best when they’re getting to the rim.
The Liberty are second in the WNBA in field goal percentage inside the restricted area — and the Fever allow the third-most field goal attempts inside the restricted area. This should be something for the Liberty to take advantage of.
The week off will definitely do Breanna Stewart some good. She’s sixth in the WNBA in minutes per game at 33, and the future Hall of Famer has worked to get the team back in gear. Stewart is taking on all assignments presented to her and her versatility is one to behold.
“She’s just such a good defensive playmaker that you want to lean into it,” Chris DeMarco recently said. “So if she wants to gamble at times, go gamble. Her IQ is elite, and she should be doing those things. But more than anything, it’s just it’s the responsibility that comes with it. You have to bring it every night. Once we’re used to playing this way, and that’s why I’m so happy she’s an all-star starter, because that’s one of the things about her: She brings it every night, and you can’t have let downs if you’re the quarterback of the defense.”
When you’ve got one of the best, most versatile players of all time, use them in as many fun and unique ways as possible.
Player to watch: Caitlin Clark
Last night, Clark became the first player in WNBA history to have 45 points and 10 assists in a game. She also became the first player in WNBA or NBA history to get 45 and 10 in under 30 minutes. See what happens when you focus on the game instead of the refs? Just saying.
Seriously though, when Clark is dialed in she’s one of the most dynamic players the game has ever seen. Her court vision is also second to none. She can turn a game on its head with her deep three pointers. And when her shot is falling at home, Gainbridge Fieldhouse turns all the way up.
As for tonight, she’s apparently on a minutes restriction. Considering the dramatic fall off from the point guard position when she sits and Clark’s dislike of minutes restrictions in general, it ought to be lifted soon enough.
How can Liberty contain Clark?
Without Fiebich, the job of challenging Clark will be more difficult. Rebekah Gardner figures to get the first crack at it, but she’s been in a slump recently. Pauline Astier took advantage of Clark’s foul trouble down the stretch in the first meeting and will get the matchup at various points. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton figures to get her turns at it, and she’s starting to turn things around.
Before everything devolved into chaos and madness against the Toronto Tempo, she was having her best game in some time. After a recent slump, it was a welcome return to form for the Liberty legend.
“It definitely felt good to just kind of find some type of rhythm,” she told Madeline Kenney of the New York Post. “The game is a game of rhythm and so I think just hopefully I’m able to continue to build on that and everything.”
New York needs all the help it can get right now, and Laney-Hamilton finding her rhythm goes a long way in helping the team out. As Fiebich works her way back to health, the team will try their best to make up for her absence.
From the Vault
Live from The Garden, it’s Saturday Night’s Main Event! With that in mind, let’s throw it back to my favorite match in the show’s history
More reading: Fieldhouse Files, Circle City Spin, Swish Appeal, Breakaway, SB Nation, Women’s Basketball Roundup, The Local W, New York Daily News, No Cap Space, New York Post, Newsday, The Athletic, NY Liberty Fan TV, Fansided, Just Women’s Sports, Winsidr, The Stomp, The Post Presence, Her Hoop Stats, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, CBS Sports, and The IX Basketball.