The Minnesota Lynx (17-3, 12-2 in the Western Conference) are set to face off against the Los Angeles Sparks (6-13, 3-9 Western Conference) on Thursday at 3pm EDT in Los Angeles. The Sparks are coming off a 79-71 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, where Courtney Williams scored 21 points. Los Angeles holds a 3-9 record against Western Conference teams and currently sits fifth in the conference. They average 8.1 offensive rebounds per game, led by Dearica Hamby with 2.6.
Minnesota, boasting a strong 12-2 record in the conference, ranks seventh in the WNBA, with 8.3 offensive rebounds per game, paced by Jessica Shepherd’s 2.6. Los Angeles has a field goal percentage of 44.1% this season—3.5% higher than what Minnesota typically allows (40.6%). The Lynx average 9.1 three-pointers per game, slightly under what they concede, which is 9.3 by the Sparks.
This will be the fourth matchup between these teams this season. In their last meeting on June 22nd, Kera McBride scored 29 points for the Lynx, while Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 15 points.
Key players to watch include Hamby, who averages 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 steals for the Sparks. Plum has been scoring an average of 16.8 points over the last 10 games. For the Lynx, Courtney Williams contributes 13.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while Napheesa Collier has averaged 17.7 points in her last 10 outings.
Over their last 10 games, the Sparks have gone 3-7, averaging 81.3 points, 33.4 rebounds, 19.5 assists, 6.2 steals, and 3.3 blocks per game on 44.2% shooting. Their opponents average 89.9 points against them. The Lynx, by contrast, hold an 8-2 record, putting up 84.6 points, 34.1 rebounds, 23.0 assists, 7.2 steals, and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 45.9%, allowing only 72.9 points from opponents.
Injuries include Cameron Brink (knee) out for the Sparks, and Karlie Samuelson (foot) sidelined for the season for the Lynx.
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Fan Take: This matchup highlights the growing competitiveness and talent depth in the WNBA, showcasing key players who drive their teams’ success. For fans, it underscores the excitement of the season and the potential for memorable clashes that elevate the sport’s profile.
