WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA 2024: Fever vs Sun SEP 22 September 22, 2024: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 looks on during game 1 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Erica Denhoff/CSM Credit Image: Â Erica Denhoff/Cal Media Uncasville Connecticut United States of America EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20240922_zma_c04_562.jpg EricaxDenhoffx csmphotothree309527

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are on a collision course for a WNBA Playoff first

Aug 14, 2026, 9:43 PM CUT

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese could finally meet in the WNBA playoffs. With both the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream sitting at 21-12, a first-round meeting between the two is becoming a real possibility.

"The Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream are both on two-game win streaks," wrote Elaine Blum of FanSided's High Post Hoops. "They also both have 21-12 records. That currently has Atlanta in fourth place and Indiana in fifth, and a first-round meeting between the two teams is becoming more and more likely."

If the standings hold, the matchup would bring together two of the biggest names from the 2024 WNBA Draft in a playoff setting for the first time. Clark has already experienced the postseason, while Reese is still waiting for her first playoff appearance.

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky on April 29, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 29 Preseason Atlanta Dreamagainst the Chicago Sky EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260429012

It would also give Atlanta a chance to settle an old score. The Dream and Fever met in the first round last season, with Indiana winning the series 2-1 despite entering the playoffs with several key players sidelined, as per Elaine Blum of FanSided's High Post Hoops.

The Fever would enter with championship expectations, while Atlanta has plenty riding on its playoffs after bringing Reese in to help take the team further.

Reese has had to wait longer than Clark for this moment. She spent her first two seasons with the Chicago Sky before moving to Atlanta, and the Dream now have her in position to make her playoff debut.

Clark, meanwhile, reached the postseason during her rookie year with Indiana. The Fever lost to the Connecticut Sun in the first round, but Clark's playoff experience gives her a head start over Reese in that regard.

Why Clark vs. Reese would make this playoff matchup huge

A playoff matchup against Clark would put even more attention on Reese's playoff appearance. Their rivalry has cooled since their college days, but seeing them on opposite sides of a playoff series would bring that spotlight back, as per the same report by Elaine Blum.

Atlanta have been eliminated in the first round in each of the last three seasons, and another early exit would be disappointing, even after the addition of Reese.

With Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell leading, Indiana is expected to be thinking about a deep playoff run.

Last year, Indiana was dealing with a long list of injuries when it defeated Atlanta, while Reese wasn't even part of the Dream then. This time, both teams have more at stake and considerably more attention surrounding them.

The matchup is not guaranteed yet, but the standings have put it firmly on the table. If Indiana stays fifth and Atlanta remains fourth, Clark and Reese could finally share the same playoff stage, giving the WNBA one of its most intriguing matchups in years.

Written by

Rudra Dubey

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote