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Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky will host the LA Sparks as both teams look to get their wobbly 2024 WNBA campaign back on track. Chicago lost to the Seattle Storm, while LA managed to hang on to a win against the Indiana Fever despite Caitlin Clark's career night.
The Sparks (2-4) are placed tenth overall in the league, while the Sky (2-3) are ahead by just one rung in ninth place. The star attractions will be Reese and Sparks' big Cameron Brink.
Head-to-head, LA leads Chicago 35-16 in their 51 regular season matchups so far. Both sides have split their last four meetings with two wins each.
LA Sparks vs Chicago Sky: Preview, predicted starting lineups, prediction, and odds
Tip-off between the Sparks and the Sky is slated for 8 pm ET at the Wintrust Arena. The contest can be caught live on MARQ and SportsNet LA. Here's a quick look at the odds:
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Spread: Sparks +4.5, Sky -4.5
Moneyline: Sparks +155, Sky -190
Total (o/u): Sparks o163, Sky u163
LA Sparks vs Chicago Sky Preview
The LA Sparks have shown potential. Rookie Cameron Brink has been living up to her No. 2 Draft pick hype by being an elite defender and unafraid to take the responsibility of taking on tough defensive matchups. She has proved that she can be the team's stalwart on that end but needs some assistance on that end and offense. Come Thursday, and they will be up against a misfiring Sky outfit that's done well in patches.
Chicago's offense is questionable, and their shotmaking has been erratic. Angel Reese has shown why she can be a promising forward in the league in the future, but the side needs more than just her and Marina Mabrey showing up and showing out. Their win against the New York Liberty was impressive, but they faltered against the Storm. How they match up against an LA side that embraces defense as their identity remains to be seen.
The Sky will be hopeful that Kamila Cardoso will take the floor against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, so that would mean that she will be a no-go against the Sparks. The visitors will be without Layshia Clarendon and Azura Stevens.
LA Spark vs Chicago Sky: Predicted starting lineups
LA will likely go with the combination of Lexie Brown and Kia Nurse at PG and SG. Rickea Jackson at SF, Cameron Brink at PF, and Dearica Hamby at C round up the starting five. Aari McDonald, Stephanie Talbot and Li Yueru are their bench options.
The Sky, in all probability, will go with Dana Evans at PG, Marina Mabrey at SG, Angel Reese at PF, Diamond Deshields at PF and Elizabeth Williams at C. Chennedy Carter and Lindsay Allen are their role players.
LA Spark vs Chicago Sky: Prediction
The Sparks are a better-placed unit defensively and if they manage to keep the Chicago Sky's sputtering offense, they can cover the spread and take home a win. However, the hosts will not look at losing three on the bounce at home. Take the Sparks to win a close contest on Thursday.
