The Los Angeles Sparks (10-14 overall, 3-10 in the Western Conference) are set to face off against the New York Liberty (17-6 overall, 10-2 in the Eastern Conference) in New York on Saturday at 7pm EDT. The Sparks come into the game fresh off a 101-86 win over the Connecticut Sun, highlighted by Kelsey Plum’s 30-point performance.
New York, with a strong home record of 12-2, ranks sixth in the WNBA, averaging 11.2 points per game with Breanna Stewart leading the charge. Los Angeles holds a 7-6 road record and is third in the league in scoring, averaging 84.4 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 45.6%.
The Liberty average around 9.1 three-point attempts per game, while Los Angeles allows about one more per game than what New York typically shoots. The Sparks shoot 45.6% overall, which is 4.4% higher than the 41.2% shooting allowed by New York’s defense. This game will be their second encounter this season, with New York winning the previous one 89-79 on July 3rd.
Standout players include Breanna Stewart, who averages 19 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while Sabrina Ionescu comes in with 17 points per game over her last 10 games. On the Sparks’ side, Daija Humvee scores 17.6 points and grabs 7.9 rebounds per game, with Azura Stevens contributing 2.6 points and making several three-pointers recently.
Over their last 10 games, the Liberty have gone 7-3, averaging 86.3 points, 33.5 rebounds, 21.7 assists, 8.1 steals, and 5.1 blocks with a 43.9% shooting rate. Opponents have averaged 81.9 points against them. The Sparks have a 6-4 record in their last 10, averaging 89.1 points, 32.3 rebounds, 22.6 assists, 7.1 steals, and 3.6 blocks with a 49.2% shooting percentage. Opponents have averaged 87.1 points against them.
No injury reports have been listed for either team.
Fan Take: This matchup is crucial for WNBA fans as it pits two talented teams with contrasting records, highlighting the competitive depth of the league. A win for either side could shift momentum and playoff positioning, showcasing the high stakes and intense rivalries that make the sport so thrilling to follow.
