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Sparks vs Liberty Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

LA, New York Play First of Back-to-Back Games

Race for Final WNBA Playoff Spot

The New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks battle in the first game of two on back-to-back nights, with the final WNBA playoff spot hanging in the balance.

The Sparks and the Liberty are mired in a six-team battle for the final three playoff spots in 2022, with five teams separated by 1.5 games for the final two playoff spots.

Sparks vs Liberty Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Sparks vs Liberty Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

Both teams have seven games remaining in their season, magnifying the importance of the back-to-back games in Brooklyn.

If you are looking to bet on WNBA, this betting preview will review the Sparks and the Liberty’s lone 2022 head-to-head battle and their recent performances, giving you insight and an edge for successful online sports betting.

Let’s check the latest WNBA picks, stats, WNBA news, injury reports, and WNBA odds for Sparks vs Liberty. We’ve plenty of WNBA championship odds for you to consider.

Sparks Need to Ignite Offense

The Los Angeles Sparks are holding onto the final playoff position for the WNBA’s post-season. The Sparks hold a half-game lead for eighth playoff spot with a record of 12-17.

In their last five games, the Sparks are 2-3, averaging 77 points while giving up an average of 82.2. Their season averages are 80.5 points scored and 85.5 allowed.

To make the postseason, the Sparks simply need to match the teams chasing them and beat them in head-to-head competition. While there is no guarantee of any postseason success, you have to be in it to win it.

Liberty Need to be Better on Both Sides of Ball

The New York Liberty are currently second last in the WNBA with a record of 11-18.

Yet, the Liberty are only one game out of the final playoff spot and could find themselves in a three-way tie for that slot with a win over the Sparks on Tuesday.

The Liberty have lost four of five, averaging 74 points while giving up 87.4 points. Their season numbers are 79.4 and 83.8. These are not positive statistical trends for a team on the periphery of the playoffs.

The Liberty offense will need big production from offensive leader Sabrina Ionescu, who made news earlier this year by earning her second triple-double of 2022 and tying the WNBA record for career triple-doubles with three.

The Liberty will need consecutive and repeated unbelievable offensive performances from Ionescu and crew to have a shot at the playoffs.

The Liberty are ranked second to in the WNBA in points against per game, with only the Indiana Fever giving up more points.

Sparks vs Liberty Head-to-Head

When they last met in July, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the New York Liberty 84-74. Nneka Ogwumike and Liz Cambage combined for 38 points for the Sparks. Cambage has since left the team.

In their first meeting, the Sparks shot 46.9 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from behind the 3-point line. They had five players score in double digits. The Liberty were led in scoring by Natasha Howard, Marine Johannes, and Ionescu, who combined for 44 points.

Sparks vs Liberty Game Information

  • Game: Sparks (12-17) vs Liberty (11-18)
  • Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
  • Day/Time: Tuesday, August 2, 7 p.m. EDT
  • Live Stream: WNBA.com

Sparks vs Liberty Betting Lines

Team Handicap Moneyline Total Team Total
Los Angeles Sparks +5½ -110 +180 165 -110o 80 -115o

80 -115u

New York Liberty -5½ -110 -220 165 -110u 85½ -115o

85½ -115u

Sparks vs Liberty Game Prediction

From this WNBA betting preview, it is clear that both teams have seen a recent dip in offensive production. It’s also clear that they may struggle to combine for 160 points in the game, with the over/under set at 165.

Adding another layer to consider is the Los Angeles Sparks’ recent “contract divorce” with Cambage and the effect this will have on their offense unit.

Despite this, it is difficult to pick the New York Liberty after analyzing their recent scores and odds. In their most recent two wins, the Sparks have won by an average of 7.5 points while the Liberty have lost by an average of 8.5 points.

We’re picking the Sparks to keep the game close.

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