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Opposite ends of the WNBA table meet in one of Tuesday's tripleheader matchups, all starting at 7 pm ET. The Los Angeles Sparks make the long journey to the TD Garden in search of a first win against the Connecticut Sun since August 2020. The sides met earlier in the season, with the Sun winning 79-70, at Mohegan Sun Arena.
A first win of the month is on the agenda for the Sparks (6-21), after dropping 14 of their last 16 games — including 10 of their last 11 on the road. Their results have left them languishing at the bottom of the WNBA standings. An 81-87 win against the Dallas Wings on July 14 was the last time they tasted victory.
With many players sidelined by injuries, scoring has been a major issue for the Sparks during this torrid spell. However, the emergence of Rickea Jackson in the last few games with more playing minutes is encouraging, and there is reason for optimism among fans that a long-awaited victory is near.
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Meanwhile, the Sun are (19-7) on a quite different run of form, winning five of their last eight games. They’ve also dominated at home, claiming seven victories in their last 10 contests. That form has propelled them into second place, boosting their chances of securing that much sought-after place.
They suffered a frustrating defeat against the Atlanta Dream over the weekend. So, they’ll be looking to get back on track with a win against a team they should see as beatable.
LA Sparks vs. Connecticut Sun: Injury reports
LA Sparks injury reports for Aug. 20
The Sparks have suffered injuries already this season, which contributes to their poor results. Layshia Clarendon is day-to-day for personal reasons, while Aari McDonald is also day-to-day with a foot injury.
Lexie Brown continues to miss games due to illness, while Cameron Brink remains sidelined for the season after suffering a torn ACL.
Connecticut Sun injury reports for Aug. 20
Unlike the Sparks, the Sun have largely managed to avoid injuries so far this season, so Stephanie White can pick her strongest starting five. The only exception is Tiffany Mitchell, who is out with an illness.
LA Sparks vs. Connecticut Sun: Starting lineups and depth chart
LA Sparks starting lineups and depth chart
Curt Miller will be out to prove a point on Tuesday and may experiment with different player rotations for Tuesday’s game. However, the core of the Sparks' starting lineup is expected to be the same: Kia Nurse, Clarendon, Jackson, Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens.
Connecticut Sun starting lineups and depth chart
Despite the Aug. 18 loss against the Dream, Coach White is unlikely to change the Sun's starting five for Tuesday's match. While DiJonai Carrington may be included after returning in the last game, the team may stick with the familiar starting unit of DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones and Marina Mabrey.
Youngster Veronica Burton has also gotten some minutes under her belt, though she has rarely featured for more than 10 minutes with the Eastern Conference team.
