A few games were circled by the masses when the 2025 WNBA schedule was initially unveiled — and this was likely one of them. Sunday marks the first time we’ll see Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark on the same floor since their record-breaking Final Four matchup in 2024, when Clark led Iowa to a 71-69 win over Bueckers and UConn.

Expect high-octane hoops as a long-running on-court rivalry is renewed at the professional level.

How to watch Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever

Live coverage is also available on ESPN+. 

The Wings and Fever have already met once this season, though Clark was forced to sit out with an injury. Still, the game drew over 20,000 fans as Dallas sold out American Airlines Center. Indiana won 94-86, despite a 27-point performance from Bueckers.

The Wings have made a handful of changes since then, including trading NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces and shifting fellow rookie Aziaha James back into the starting lineup. The 22-year-old popped for a career-high 28 points in a win over the Phoenix Mercury earlier this month, proving to be a vital asset for a surprisingly versatile Dallas offense.

The Fever have also been experimenting as they aim to get back above .500 on the season. Aari McDonald started over Lexie Hull in Indiana’s 80-61 loss to the Golden State Valkyries and was promptly replaced ahead of Friday’s 99-82 win over the Atlanta Dream. Makayla Timpson also made the most of an expanded opportunity against the Valkyries, scoring 10 points with six rebounds, three steals and two blocks in roughly 20 minutes of action.

Despite the adjustments happening around them, these teams remain defined by their young superstars. Bueckers is having perhaps the best rookie season in WNBA history, averaging 18.1 points, 5.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. And while Clark has had trouble with her shot as she’s sustained a few injuries, she’s still strung together some dazzling performances.

It’s safe to say that the Wings are surpassing expectations after winning just nine games in 2024, but the pressure is on for the Fever. Indiana was among the preseason favorites to win the WNBA title, and while there’s still time to improve, the Fever haven’t consistently looked like one of the league’s best teams through the first half of the year.

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(Photo of Paige Bueckers: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)