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The LA Sparks host the Connecticut Sun for the second game of their two-game series at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday ( Sep. 10.) The last time the two teams met, the Sparks went down 79-67 as the Sun consolidated their second position in the WNBA standings.
On paper, the game can be dubbed as a dead rubber, but with the top teams eyeing for a better finish and the bottom-placed ones playing for pride, there's ample action to watch out for.
Tuesday's contest also marks the last skirmish between the two teams this regular season, with Connecticut winning three of their four. A 4-0 finish is on the cards as Connecticut is one of the more dominant and clinical teams this season.
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Connecticut Sun vs LA Sparks preview, predicted starting lineups, odds, and prediction
The tip-off between the two teams is slated for 10 p.m. ET. Local coverage will be on Spectrum SportsNet and NBC Sports Boston.
Fans can also catch the game on the WNBA app with a subscription to the WNBA League Pass. Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the clash.
Spread: Sun -10, Sparks +!0
Moneyline: Sun -520, Sparks +390
Total (o/u): Sun o158.5, Sparks u158.5
Connecticut Sun vs LA Sparks preview
The Connecticut Sun has been stellar this season and boasts a 25-10 record, putting them firmly in contention for a top-three finish.
Their balance has been their biggest strength with work being done at both ends of the floor. They are the No. 1 team in defensive rating (94.5) and are sixth with a 101.6 offensive rating.
DeWanna Bonner (15.9 points per game) and Alyssa Thomas (7.7 assists) are the team's centerpieces with the rest of the unit playing their roles to perfection.
The Sparks are out of the playoffs race, and their 7-28 record sees them with the best odds to wind up with the No. 1 pick. They have a silver link in Rickea Jackson's two-way game, which has been underrated this season.
Their defense is poor, allowing opponents to score an average of 86 points per game. This is a lost season, but they could try and pull off an upset win on Tuesday.
Connecticut Sun vs LA Sparks predicted starting lineups
The Sun will be without guard Tiffany Mitchell, who is listed out with an illness.
In her absence, they will likely stick with the same five from the last game. Tyasha Harris at PG, Dijonai Carrington at SG, DeWanna Bonner at SF, Alyssa Thomas at PF and Brionna Jones at C round up the starters. Marina Mabrey comes off the bench.
The LA Sparks, meanwhile, will be without Layshia Clarendon (personal) and Cameron Brink (ACL). Lexie Brown (illness) remains out indefinitely, while Aari McDonald (ankle) is questionable.
If LA goes with the same starting group from the last game, Rae Burrell will get another shot at PG, Odyssey Sims at SG, Rickea Jackson at SF, Dearica Hamby at PF and Azura Stevens at C will be the starting five.
Connecticut Sun vs LA Sparks prediction
The Connecticut Sun takes the favorites tag heading into the contest. They have health, form and momentum on their side. Their solid offense could breeze past LA's subpar defense, so expect another win for the Sun on the road.
