Sparks' Kate Martin Nears Return as Fever's Big Three Struggle in Loss to Atlanta

The WNBA’s early-season narrative shifted Tuesday as the Los Angeles Sparks received encouraging updates on forward Kate Martin’s knee strain, while the Indiana Fever faced growing concerns over their star-dependent offense following a lopsided loss to the Atlanta Dream.

Sparks’ Kate Martin Inches Closer to Activation

The Sparks provided clarity on former Iowa star Kate Martin’s status after she exited last Wednesday’s loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Head coach Lynne Roberts confirmed Martin is “day-to-day” and participating in non-contact drills, putting her on track to return for Thursday’s home game against the New York Liberty. Activated 10 times this season under her 12-game Player Development Contract, Martin’s potential return adds depth for a team still searching for consistency. Roberts emphasized the injury isn’t limiting her practice ability, a positive sign for a roster that’s struggled to find secondary scoring outside of Kelsey Plum.

Plum remains a focal point for the Sparks. Her performance will be crucial in the upcoming matchup against the Liberty, where she’ll face familiar defenders like Sabrina Ionescu, making her a key player to watch for bettors.

Fever’s Over-Reliance on Stars Exposed

The Indiana Fever’s 113-96 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Saturday underscored the fragility of their star-driven system. Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston combined for a significant portion of the team’s points, while Lexie Hull remained scoreless for the third time this season. The supporting cast's difficulties in the game raised questions about the Fever's reliance on their “Big Three” model.

“Monique Billings and Myisha Hines-Allen need to take some of those shots,” ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo noted during a second-quarter timeout. Billings, acquired in a 2025 trade, is shooting below her previous season's mark, and rookie Raven Johnson has yet to establish herself as a reliable creator.

Clark acknowledged after the game that the team needs to improve ball security, indicating that the Fever must address these issues to enhance their overall performance.

Prop Bets Highlight June 21 Roster Battles

As the WNBA heads into its June schedule, player props offer a lens into individual matchups. A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces is a top play for Over 25.5 points Thursday against the Golden State Valkyries, having cleared that mark in five of her last eight games. Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles, who rebounded from a tough outing with multiple strong performances, is another key bet against the Washington Mystics.

For Sparks fans, Kelsey Plum’s return to Crypto.com Arena against the Aces and Liberty looms as a high-scoring showcase. Her scoring average this season makes her point line a compelling angle, particularly against teams with defensive vulnerabilities.

Looking Ahead

The Sparks’ potential activation of Martin and the Fever’s need for secondary scoring will dominate Thursday’s slate. Los Angeles hosts New York at 8 p.m. ET, while Washington faces Minnesota in an early-evening matchup. For the Fever, the opportunity for development is crucial; the performance of their supporting cast will be vital in determining their success moving forward.