ESPN networks will carry 18 WNBA games during the 2015 season, and this year’s slate opens with a bang.

The Conference Finalists from last September will be reunited in Indiana and Phoenix, where the Sky and Fever and Lynx and Mercury will face off in a pair of rematches.

Here’s what to watch for during Sunday’s ESPN 2 doubleheader:

On ESPN3: Atlanta @ Connecticut (3 PM ET) | Tulsa @ San Antonio (4:30 PM ET)

Chicago Sky @ Indiana Fever (1 PM ET)

• “D” Up: Two teams that traditionally have hung their hat on the defensive end are struggling in the early going. The Sky and Fever rank 10th and 11th in Defensive Rating thus far, which has been the main factor in their combined 1-5 start. Whichever team plugs up the early holes should come out on top in this matchup — and Indiana in particular needs to focus on defending without fouling after committing 70 fouls in three games.
• Pedal to the metal: Look for Chicago to speed up the game and force Indiana to deal with its offensive firepower in the open court. The Sky have played at the league’s fastest pace so far, topping 90 points twice, while the Fever have committed 47 turnovers compared to 40 assists.
• Star power: A 1-2 start is OK with the Sky given one key development: Elena Delle Donne is healthy and dominant. EDD’s red-hot play has been a major bright spot following a tumultuous season, as she’s averaging 32.7 points on 53% shooting through three games. Indiana can send a five-time Defensive Player of the Year her way in Tamika Catchings, which always makes for an intriguing head-to-head battle.

Minnesota Lynx @ Phoenix Mercury (3 PM ET)

• Opposite directions: These teams enter their first matchup in very different states — the Lynx being at full strength and the title favorites, and the Mercury trying to weather the storm until Brittney Griner returns from suspension. This will be a “kick ’em while they’re down” game for the Lynx, who have been flowing on offense (No. 1 Offensive Rating, No. 1 FG%) during their 3-0 start.
• Paint patrol: The battle of the boards could be crucial, as Phoenix is coming off a loss in New York in which the team was outrebounded, 51-27. Minnesota has outrebounded teams by an average of 41.3 to 28 thus far, and has the ability to both pound the ball inside and slash into the lane.
• Can Maya get going? Perhaps most impressive about Minnesota’s undefeated record is that the league MVP has hardly been herself. A career 47% shooter, Maya Moore has hit on 36% of her field goal attempts. Yet the team’s depth has been on display: Not only have the other All-Stars stepped up (Rebekkah Brunson with 14.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 70% FG; Lindsay Whalen with 16.7 points and 6.0 assists), but the Lynx have received strong bench efforts, including 46 points in a rout of Seattle.