Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream Prediction: Time to Get Behind the Fever?

With a win over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday, the Indiana Fever are now the proud owners of a three-game winning streak. They’ll try to turn it into a four-game winning streak when they face off against the Dream in Atlanta tonight.

As encouraging as the win streak is, all three victories came at home in the friendly confines of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Five of their six wins have been at home; their only road win was their first victory of the season in Los Angeles vs. the Sparks (May 24).

Let’s review the betting line as well as our preview and pick for the game.

Fever vs. Dream Betting Odds for Friday, June 21

Atlanta was a 2.5-point favorite when these teams met in Indianapolis on June 13. While the Dream, who technically (percentage points) have the better record at 6-7, opened as the betting favorite at -2.5, but the line has since moved to +2.5.

Fans of the Indiana Fever should be excited—their team is threatening to become respectable. But how much of their recent success can be attributed to learning how to play better as a team relative to playing other lackluster teams at home? 

It’s a tricky question to answer, but maybe facing a team they beat at home a week ago can provide some insight. Here are the betting odds for the game with odds from BetMGM. Place your bets at BetMGM and get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets* when using our promo code WSNMGM.

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Fever vs. Dream Prediction

Indiana Fever Preview

If Fever fans feel a little confident heading into tonight's game,  well— they should be. Indiana played some really good basketball during their three-home homestand.

In that timeframe (June 13-19), they were one of three teams to go undefeated (Minnesota (3-0) and Connecticut (2-0)). They had the No. 4 offense in the league at 90 ppg, the No. 2 field goal percentage (50.3%), the No. 3 rebounds (36.3), and the No. 1 blocks (6.7).

They held opponents to 82.7 ppg (No. 5), which is a big step in the right direction for the team that has been statistically one of the worst defenses in the league this season.

Of course, the quality of their opponents could be better (a combined 13-29 record). So, fans may not want to get too excited just yet. When you consider where the Fever started and where they are now, the rest of the league may want to keep an eye on them. 

Bet on Indiana Fever at BetMGM

Atlanta Dream Preview

When a team struggling to find an identity on offense loses its leading scorer, it's not a sign that good times are ahead. Rhyne Howard, who went down with an ankle injury vs. Minnesota the other night, leads the team in scoring (15.4 ppg), assists (3.4 per game), steals (2.2 per game), and blocks (.8 per game).

It is probably safe to assume the Dream will miss her presence will be missed on the court.

Until the team takes the court tonight, it is hard to say who will step up to fill the void. Haley Jones has started every game but averages just 21.5 minutes per game. It wouldn't be shocking to see her minutes increase (avg. 4.7 ppg).

The team could also turn to Aerial Powers. She has yet to start a game this season but averages 8.8 ppg in just 18 minutes. Alisha Gray will probably take a few more shots; she averages 15.2 ppg, .2 points less than Howard. 

Bettors may want to keep an eye on veteran Tina Charles, too.

Bet on Atlanta Dream at BetMGM

Fever vs. Dream - My Pick

Howard led the way for the Dream vs. the Fever in Indianapolis with 26 points, but the problem for Atlanta on that day was their defense. Indiana got out to a 59-44 lead by halftime. The Dream won the second half, 40-32, and even managed to take an 82-81 lead late in the fourth quarter.

But a 10-2 run to end the game secured a win for the Fever.

Indiana is playing well right now. The Dream needs Howard to make this game competitive, but they will not have her. As long as Indiana does not find a way to hand the game to Atlanta, the Fever will win.

• My Pick: Indiana to cover -2.5 (-115) at BetMGM

We are not entirely ready to overlook how much the Fever has struggled this season, but we don't like betting on a -150 moneyline. Those who can't get behind Indiana to win by three—take the UNDER. Indiana may be good for 80-90 points, but 70 may be where the Dream tops out without Howard.

How to Watch Fever vs. Dream

• Location: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

• Game Time & Date: 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 21

• Coverage: ION