Sparks vs Mercury Preview: Mercury’s Ranking Locked and Top Scorer Out – Can Sparks End Their Losing Streak?

On September 18 at 10:30 AM, the WNBA regular season continues with the Los Angeles Sparks hosting the Phoenix Mercury.

The Sparks have performed poorly overall this season, ranking last with a record of 7 wins and 31 losses. One more loss will lock them in the last place. The Sparks’ recent form has been very poor, losing 14 out of their last 15 games, including a previous seven-game losing streak. They often collapse mysteriously when leading by large margins, allowing opponents to make comebacks. The Sparks struggle on both offense and defense, averaging 78.6 points per game, third-last in the league, and conceding an average of 86.6 points, also third-last. Their average point difference of -8 is the worst in the league, highlighting their poor strength.

The Sparks’ top scorer is veteran Nneka Ogwumike, who averages 17.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, leading the team in three categories and being the most consistent scoring option. Jackson, Stevens, and Sykes also score in double digits, alongside McDonald, Lexie Brown, Neahus, and Burrell, giving the Sparks several scoring options. Chinese player Li Yueru played for 5 minutes in the first quarter of the last game, scoring 4 points and grabbing 4 rebounds, but was benched for the remaining three quarters, which sparked controversy over Coach Miller’s lineup choices. It remains to be seen if Li Yueru will get more playing time in this game.

The Mercury have a record of 18 wins and 20 losses and have already secured the seventh ranking; the outcomes of their final two games will not affect their standing. The Mercury are strong offensively but weak defensively, averaging 81.7 points per game (ranked 7th) and conceding 84.7 points (ranked fourth-last). Their away record is average, at 8 wins and 11 losses, worse than their home record of 10 wins and 9 losses.

The Mercury’s top scorer is Griner, averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Griner averages 18.2 points and 6.6 rebounds, Taurasi averages 15.2 points and 3.4 assists, and Craigie averages 11.7 points and 6.9 assists. The team relies heavily on these four players for scoring. Besides them, Cunningham and Billings are the few other scoring options, indicating a lack of depth in the bench.

This season, the two teams have met three times, with the Mercury winning all three games, including two by significant margins, showing a clear advantage. Both teams are currently affected by injuries. The Mercury’s top scorer Griner will miss this game, along with Allen and Osbourne, while the Sparks’ Brown, Brink, McDonald, and Clarendon are also out, and Sykes is questionable. It’s worth noting that the outcomes of the Mercury’s final two games are inconsequential, and given their roster of older players, they might rotate their lineup, giving the home team Sparks a chance.

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