Sky vs Sparks Preview: Both Teams Struggling Lately, Li Yueru Awaits More Opportunities, Can the Sparks Stop Their Losing Streak?

On September 7th, the WNBA regular season continues with the Sparks visiting to challenge the Sky. After their surprising home win against the Liberty, the Sparks have once again fallen into an embarrassing losing streak, winning only one of their last ten games, with a win rate of just 15% in the past 20 games. They currently sit at the bottom of the league with a record of 7 wins and 26 losses, making their hopes of securing a playoff spot slim this season. The Sky’s recent form has also been very poor; they lost to the Aces in their last game, suffering a seven-game losing streak. With a 20% win rate over the last ten games, they temporarily hold the 8th position in the league with a record of 11 wins and 22 losses. If this dismal performance continues, the Sky may lose their chance at a playoff berth.

First, let’s take a look at the Sparks’ situation. Their performance on both offense and defense has been terrible, with limited scoring ability. Their average score is just 79 points per game, ranking third from the bottom in the league, while their average points conceded is 86.4, making them the third most conceding team in the league. Additionally, their control over turnovers and fouls is inadequate, averaging 14.7 turnovers per game, which ranks among the highest in the league, and 18.3 fouls per game, ranking third. Moreover, the Sparks’ free throw performance is also very poor, with a free throw percentage of only 76%, placing them near the bottom of the league.

The Sparks’ performance last season was also unsatisfactory, so they made some adjustments during the off-season, hoping for improvement in the new season. Unfortunately, the team did not effectively address the issues on both ends of the court. During the off-season, their key player, Ogwumike, left the team, and their core guard Canada joined the Dream. The departure of these two key players had a significant impact on the Sparks. Fortunately, the team acquired the second pick Cameron Brink and the fourth pick Rickea Jackson through the draft. Additionally, the Sparks signed McDonald, Cook, Li Yueru, Nas, Clarendon, Julie Allemand, and others. Particularly, Li Yueru’s addition brought a lot of attention to the Sparks, but this wave of popularity did not translate into results, as the Sparks continued to struggle.

The Sparks have four players averaging double-digit scores, with Hamby averaging 17.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, Sims 14.4 points and 5.5 assists, Jackson 12.4 points, and Stevens 10.7 points and 6.3 rebounds. Chinese player Li Yueru averages 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in limited playing time. In their most recent game, the Sparks lost 86-93 away to the Fever. Despite Sims scoring 20 points and 6 assists, and Stevens achieving a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, the team lacked a key player, as Hamby shot only 6 out of 15 for 16 points and 7 rebounds. Li Yueru came off the bench without scoring but contributed 2 rebounds and 1 assist. On the other hand, Boston scored 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Clark achieved a triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Comparing the two teams, the Sparks’ performance was indeed embarrassing.

The Sky, after Marbury’s departure, fell into an awkward situation. They average 78.1 points per game, ranking second-to-last in the league, and concede 81.2 points per game, ranking seventh. The Sky do not have obvious advantages on either end of the court. However, they are very active in rebounding, averaging 37.4 rebounds per game, ranking first in the league. Their perimeter offense is poor, averaging only 4.5 three-pointers per game with a three-point shooting percentage of 31.3%, both ranking at the bottom of the league. Additionally, the Sky also struggle with controlling fouls, committing the most fouls in the league with an average of 19.2 per game, sharing similar problems with the Sparks.

The Sky also have four players averaging double-digit scores. During the off-season, the Sky’s key player Cooper left the team to join the Mercury, along with Courtney Williams. Cooper’s departure significantly affected the Sky’s overall strength.

In their last game, the Sky lost 71-90 away to the Aces. Although four players scored in double digits, the team lacked in rebounding and offensive efficiency, especially defensively, allowing the Aces to shoot at a high 52% field goal percentage. Ogunbowale led the team with 15 points, Kastouza scored 14 points, and Lees contributed a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds. However, Wilson and Hayes of the Aces combined for 50 points, leading to a comprehensive defeat for the Sky.

The Sky and the Sparks met twice earlier this season, with the Sparks losing both matches. Now both teams find themselves in similar situations, struggling. In their most recent match, the Sky won 42-46 away against the Sparks, despite the Sparks having five players score in double digits, including Li Yueru with 7 points and 23 rebounds. The Sky also had multiple contributors, with Kastouza and Lees achieving double-doubles, leading to a narrow victory by four points away from home. It is reported that for the Sparks, Clarendon, Brown, and Brink will still be absent, while Williams of the Sky will also miss the game due to injury. It remains to be seen if the Sky can end their seven-game losing streak at home.

>>For more predictions on this game, click >>>