The Los Angeles Sparks (6–14) return to Crypto.com Arena on Sunday looking to halt a six-game losing streak when they take on the Connecticut Sun (3–17). Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. PT.
Team Breakdown
The Sparks continue to search for answers during a tough stretch. Offensively, they’re posting 82.0 points per game, seventh in the league, but their defense has struggled, giving up 87.2 points per contest.
On the boards, Los Angeles averages 32.8 rebounds per game, ranking 11th, while opponents grab 33.4. From beyond the arc, the Sparks connect on 8.9 threes per game (9.8 threes per game at home), which places them seventh in the WNBA
Kelsey Plum currently leads the way with 19.9 points and 5.9 assists per game, and she hits 2.5 three-pointers per outing. Azura Stevens adds 14.4 points and a team-best 8.6 rebounds per game. Dearica Hamby paces the team in steals (1.9 SPG), while Stevens is the top shot-blocker with 1.4 blocks per game.
The Sun ended in a franchise worst 10 game losing streak after beating the Seattle Storm on Wednesday but quickly lost to them on Friday. Connecticut enters Sunday’s matchup facing its own share of adversity. They rank 13th in both scoring (71.7 PPG) and points allowed (87.9 PPG).
Three-point shooting remains a concern, too, Connecticut hits just 5.8 threes per game (12th) on 29.3% shooting, while allowing opponents to shoot 34.7% from deep. They are currently missing sharp shooter Marina Mabrey for the past couple of weeks due to a knee injury which has put a huge dent in the offensive success as she averages 15.2 points per game. Rebounding has also been difficult as they are ranked last as well (30.7 REB)
Tina Charles leads the Sun with 15.7 points per game, adding 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists and also just surpassed 8,000 points on Friday becoming the league’s second player to do so after Diana Taurasi. Olivia Nelson-Ododa anchors the frontcourt with a team-high 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Bria Hartley runs the point with a team-leading 3.0 assists per game. Rookie Saniya Rivers leads the team in steals (1.7 SPG), while Jacy Sheldon is the Sun’s top outside threat with 1.3 three-pointers per game.
Key Matchups
Kelsey Plum vs. Bria Hartley: Plum’s ability to create shots for herself and others will test a Sun backcourt that has struggled defensively. Azura Stevens vs. Olivia Nelson-Ododa: Expect a physical battle inside between two versatile forwards who both lead their teams in rebounding and interior defense. Three-Point Shooting: The Sparks have a clear edge from long range. If they catch fire early, it could put the Sun in a tough spot, especially given their inefficiency from deep.
What to Watch For
Both teams are searching for momentum as they try to climb out of the league’s lower tier. For Los Angeles, snapping their losing streak would be a vital step forward, and with All Star Break fast approaching, this is the kind of momentum they need. Meanwhile, Connecticut has an opportunity to grab a rare road win and build toward a more competitive second half of the season.