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The belligerent LA Sparks take on an equally impressive Seattle Storm at the Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday (June 11). The Sparks will be brimming with confidence after getting the better of the Las Vegas Aces.
The Storm, despite their loss to the Minnesota Lynx, have proven to be a legitimate threat to the rest of the teams in the league. Their defense has been their identity this season and they will look to bounce back with a win when they host the ninth-placed LA outfit.
The last time both sides met, it was the Sparks rattling off a preseason win. Now, they meet for the first time this regular season. Head-to-head, Seattle holds a 45-42 lead in the 87 matchups they have had so far.
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LA Sparks vs Seattle Storm preview, predicted starting lineups, odds, and prediction
Tip-off between the two teams is slated for 10 pm ET. The game can be watched live on FOX 13+, Amazon Prime Video - Seattle, and Spectrum SportsNet. Fans can watch the game on the WNBA app as well with a subscription to the WNBA League Pass. Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the showdown:
Spread: Sparks +11, Storm -11
Moneyline: Sparks +440, Storm -610
Total (o/u): Sparks o159, Storm u159
LA Sparks vs Seattle Storm preview
The LA Sparks have shown glimpses of getting a move on after a below-par 2-7 start to their season. Their two-game win streak hasn't necessarily put them in the midfield, but it is a surge and inches them closer to a playoff position.
Dearica Hamby has led the side with 20.4 points per game, while Cameron Brink has been a solid defensive presence averaging 2.8 blocks per game. Like Seattle, they have leaned heavily on their defense which has placed them eighth in the league this season.
The Storm are placed fourth in the league and are one of the hottest teams in the league. They are favorites heading into this matchup after taking an impressive second place in the West with a string of wins.
They are fifth in scoring in the league, largely due to contributions from Skylar Diggins-Smith (14.5 points per game) and Jewell Lloyd (20.3 points and 6.5 rebounds). Their lockdown defense has seen them swing games in their favor and that's the pattern that will follow against LA.
LA Sparks vs Seattle Storm predicted starting lineups, rotations, and substitutions
The Sparks will be without Azura Stevens. They will likely field the same starters they did against the Aces. Kia Nurse at PG and Layshia Clarendon at SG form their backcourt. Dearica Hamby at SF, Rickea Jackson at PF, and Cameron Brink at C round up the starting five. Aari McDonald and Lexi Brown come off the bench to fill in for the starters.
The Storm will likely start with Skylar Diggins-Smith at PG, Jewell Lloyd at SG, Victoria Vivians at SF, Nneka Ogwumike at PF, and Ezi Magbegor at C. Jordan Horston, Sam Whitcomb, and Mercedes Russell are their bench options.
LA Sparks vs Seattle Storm prediction
The Storm are a better team on paper, but the Sparks have done well as underdogs. They have been an improved side throughout the season, but this matchup will see the Storm climbing up the rung with another win. Take the hosts to edge out LA on Tuesday.
