The Los Angeles Sparks (9-14, 3-10 in the Western Conference) will face the Connecticut Sun (3-19, 2-7 in the Eastern Conference) in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Thursday at 7pm EDT. The Connecticut Sun aims to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the Sparks.
The Sun hold a 2-8 record at home this season and rank sixth in the Eastern Conference with an average of 31.0 rebounds per game, led by Olivia Nelson Ododa, who averages 6.0 rebounds. On the road, the Sparks are 6-6 and rank second in the WNBA, scoring an average of 38.8 points per game in the paint, with Dearica Hamby leading that effort.
Connecticut’s average number of three-point shots made per game is 3.3 fewer than what Los Angeles allows. The Sparks have been shooting 45.3% from the field this season, slightly below Connecticut’s opponents’ 46.4% shooting average.
This will be their second meeting this season—the Sparks won the last encounter 92-88 on July 13th. Kelsey Plum scored 23 points to lead the Sparks, while Bria Hartley led the Sun with 25 points.
Top players to watch include Tina Charles, who averages 15.6 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Sun, and Bria Hartley, who has averaged 10.7 points over her last 10 games. For the Sparks, Kelsey Plum averages 19.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals, while Dearica Hamby has averaged 18.4 points in her last 10 games.
In their last 10 games, the Sun are 1-9, averaging 74.0 points, 31.7 rebounds, 16.0 assists, 7.2 steals, and 4.8 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 39.6%. Their opponents average 88.2 points per game. Meanwhile, the Sparks hold a 5-5 record over the last 10 games, with averages of 85.6 points, 31.0 rebounds, 21.8 assists, 7.0 steals, and 3.4 blocks, shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents score an average of 86.7 points.
Injury news: Marina Mabry from the Sun is out due to a knee injury. The Sparks have no players currently listed as injured.
Fan Take: This matchup is a crucial opportunity for the struggling Connecticut Sun to halt their losing streak and regain confidence on their home court. WNBA fans should keep an eye on this game, as it highlights the competitive intensity and rising talent that continue to elevate the league’s excitement and growth.
