On Tuesday, July 2, at 9:30 p.m. ET, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will face off against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces for the second time this season. The Aces won their first encounter back in May.
Ahead of the game, a photo from the Fever’s Monday practice session surfaced online, revealing that Kristy Wallace, the starting guard for the Fever, was not wearing a starter jersey during practice. This led to speculation that Indiana head coach Christie Sides might be considering a lineup change for the upcoming game.
Kristy Wallace was not wearing a starter jersey in yesterday's Fever practice
Who do you want to start in her place? #WNBA pic.twitter.com/T4J20aMgQZ
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) July 2, 2024
Wallace, a 5-foot-11 guard from Baylor, has started in 19 of the Fever’s 20 games this season. She averages 5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 20.6 minutes per game.
Katie Lou Samuelson is in a blue jersey and working with the first team in shootaround.
Temi Fagbenle is also in a blue jersey, but standing off to the side with a brace on her right hand/wrist. pic.twitter.com/0xTt5wi1Hp
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) July 2, 2024
Adding to the speculation, a video posted on social media showed Katie Lou Samuelson, wearing the blue starter jersey and practicing with the first team. In her first season with the Fever, the 6-foot-3 forward has primarily come off the bench, playing in 75% of Indiana’s games. Samuelson averages 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Notably, she played a crucial five minutes against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, contributing to a 14-8 Fever run.
Christie Sides said “we’re just trying some new things” with Katie Lou Samuelson working with the starting lineup.
Also, an update on Temi Fagbenle: pic.twitter.com/WpwE9DcJqv
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) July 2, 2024
During Tuesday’s media availability, Sides addressed the lineup change rumors, stating, “We’re just trying out some different things,” according to IndyStar Sports writer Chloe Peterson.
Will we see Samuelson replace Wallace in the starting lineup on Tuesday night, or does Sides have a different change in mind? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this potential shift will impact the Fever’s performance against the formidable Aces.