Sun vs Sparks Preview: Struggling Sparks Riddled with Injuries, Will They Suffer Another Loss on the Road Against the Sun?

On August 21 at 7 AM, the WNBA regular season continues with the Connecticut Sun hosting the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Sun have performed excellently this season with a record of 19 wins and 7 losses, ranking second in the league, just behind the top-ranked New York Liberty. However, in their last game, the Sun surprisingly lost to the Dream on the road. The Sun are known for their strong defense, averaging only 80.5 points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. However, their defense is fierce, allowing an average of just 74 points per game, topping the league. This season, they have frequently kept opponents to extremely low scores.

The Sun do not have superstar players, but their overall strength is outstanding. Their top scorer, Bonner, averages 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. The newly joined Marbury has played two games for the team, averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds. Additionally, Brianna Jones, Carrington, Thomas, and Harris all score in double digits on average. The entire team has six players averaging double-digit points, making their scoring very diversified. Core player Thomas averages 9.1 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game, with assists ranking second in the league.

The Sparks’ performance this season has been poor, with a record of 6 wins and 21 losses, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference. They recently suffered a four-game losing streak, indicating a poor form. The Sparks struggle both offensively and defensively, averaging only 78.5 points per game, second-worst in the league, and conceding an average of 86.3 points, third-worst in the league. Their average deficit of 7.8 points is also second-worst in the league.

Veteran Hamby is one of the few bright spots on the team, averaging 18.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, leading the team in all three categories. Apart from Hamby, only Jackson and Stevens score in double digits, making their scoring options relatively scarce, which often causes their offense to stall. The Sparks are also plagued by injuries, with Brink and Lacie Brown out due to injury, while McDonald and Clarendon are questionable due to injuries. Li Yueru has shown mediocre form in her two games since returning, shooting only 2-for-13, and she needs to quickly regain her touch.

The two teams have met once this season, with the Sun defeating the Sparks by nine points on the road. In this rematch, the Sun have a complete roster, with only Mitchell injured. Moreover, the Sun’s home record is excellent, having only lost to the Liberty and the Dream. The Sparks have a poor away record, winning only two of thirteen games. Facing the Sun on the road, it will be challenging for them to escape without a loss.

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