Where to Watch New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever: Season Opener Preview

The 2021 WNBA season tips off with an exciting matchup as Sabrina Ionescu makes her highly anticipated return for the New York Liberty, marking the inaugural WNBA game at Barclays Center. Basketball fans are eager to know where to watch New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever as these teams face off in their season opener.

Tip-off is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. ET, and you can catch all the action live on NBA TV.

Both the Liberty and Fever are looking to bounce back after disappointing 2020 seasons. The Liberty, playing without Ionescu for most of the year, struggled to a 2-20 record, while the Fever finished at 6-16 after a promising start.

New York’s primary issue last season was their struggling offense, which ranked last in the league with an offensive rating of 87.3. Coach Walt Hopkins’ modern offensive system, emphasizing spacing and pace, couldn’t take flight due to poor shooting. Despite attempting a high volume of three-pointers (27.6 per game), they connected on a mere 27.7 percent. Their overall field goal percentage was also the league’s worst at 37.2 percent.

The return of Sabrina Ionescu is expected to significantly boost the Liberty’s offensive firepower. Her college career showcased her exceptional shooting ability and playmaking skills, suggesting she can create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.

Whole squad hype. pic.twitter.com/pZFi8WsP2a

Free agency acquisition Betnijah Laney is another key addition who should provide much-needed shooting and scoring. Laney enjoyed a breakout season in 2020, achieving career highs in shooting percentages (48.1% from the field, 40.5% from three) and averaging 17.2 points per game. Sharpshooter Sami Whitcomb further enhances the Liberty’s offensive arsenal. Even with Natasha Howard still playing overseas, the Liberty’s offense is poised for a significant improvement in this opening game.

However, they might find an advantage against the Indiana Fever’s defense, which remained a concern from last season.

Unlike the Liberty’s offensive focus, the Fever’s main challenge in 2020 was their defense. They posted a league-worst defensive rating of 111.8, the least efficient in WNBA history.

Indiana aimed to strengthen their defense by adding veteran defensive players like Jantel Lavender (who opted out of the 2020 season), Danielle Robinson, and Jessica Breland. Lavender and Breland offer experienced interior defense, while Robinson can disrupt opponents on the perimeter. Nevertheless, questions remain about the defensive capabilities of Indiana’s young core.

To compete against the potentially potent Liberty offense, the Fever will need their offense to be firing on all cylinders. Kelsey Mitchell is capable of explosive scoring performances and will be crucial for Indiana. Teaira McCowan should also have opportunities to score in the paint against the smaller Liberty lineup if she is actively involved.

double-double machine

12 PTS & 12 REB for @Teaira_15 #OurWayUnscripted pic.twitter.com/icQfrdyoua

Game Information

New York Liberty (0-0) vs. Indiana Fever (0-0)

When: Friday, May 14 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
How to watch: NBA TV

For fans wondering where to stream New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever, NBA TV provides the primary option. Check your local cable or satellite provider for channel listings. You may also be able to stream the game through the NBA app or website if you have an NBA TV subscription.

Keys to the matchup: Rookie Debuts! Keep an eye on how the high-profile rookies perform in their first WNBA game. For the Liberty, Michaela Onyenwere and DiDi Richards will be under scrutiny, while Kysre Gondrezick will debut for the Fever. While their initial performances may not determine the game’s outcome, they will offer valuable insights into their roles and potential impact this season. Can Onyenwere’s athleticism translate immediately? Can Richards contribute enough offensively to earn playing time? Will Gondrezick justify her No. 4 draft selection? The opening game will provide initial clues to these questions.

Fever injury report: Jessica Breland (questionable; undisclosed), Kysre Gondrezick (questionable; undisclosed); Aaliyah Wilson (questionable, undisclosed)
Liberty injury report: Natasha Howard (out; overseas), Kiah Stokes (out; overseas), Rebecca Allen (out; overseas), Jocelyn Willoughby (out; Achilles)

In conclusion, the New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever season opener is set to be an exciting contest with intriguing storylines. For those looking to watch New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever online or on TV, NBA TV is your destination. Don’t miss the tip-off!