Sparks vs Mercury Prediction, Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Los Angeles, Phoenix Look To Halt Losing Streaks
One team will end its losing streak Sunday night when the Los Angeles Sparks visit the underdog Phoenix Mercury.
The Sparks have dropped four straight contests and opened as a 1 1/2-point underdog in the WNBA odds despite beating the Mercury twice already this season. Phoenix has lost three in a row and 9 of 10.
Los Angeles fell behind by 13 after the first quarter before losing 90-79 to the Atlanta Dream at home on Wednesday. The Sparks also allowed 112 points in a setback against the Dream three days earlier..
Phoenix, which lost in the league finals in 2021, is 2-6 at home in the early going this season. The Mercury managed just 64 points in a loss at Minnesota on Friday without second-leading scorer Diana Taurasi (rest).
Both teams are longshots in the Las Vegas odds to win the league title. Los Angeles is +8000 and Phoenix is +30000.
Sparks Battle Injury, Illness
Los Angeles has struggled to put together a consistent lineup through much of the season and the biggest loss is second-leading scorer Lexie Brown, who has not played since June 14 due to illness.
The following is the @LASparks Game Status Report for tomorrow’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury:
Chiney Ogwumike – OUT (foot)
Karlie Samuelson – OUT (foot)
Lexie Brown – OUT (non-covid illness)
Nia Clouden – OUT (knee)
Layshia Clarendon – OUT (foot)
Katie…— LA Sparks PR (@LASparksPR) July 9, 2023
Nneka Ogwumike has been around most of the season and averages 19.8 points to go along with 9.2 rebounds after scoring 44 combined the past two contests.
Jordin Canada is adding 13 points and a team-best 5.8 assists per game for the Sparks, while Azura Stevens has stepped up of late – averaging 14.7 points and 8.7 boards the past three contests.
The over is 8-0 in the last eight games, according to the WNBA lines, for Los Angeles on three days’ rest. The Sparks are 0-4 in the last four games ATS.
Mercury Looking For Spark
There is still time for Phoenix to turn its season around, but it better start with a win Sunday because the Mercury take on two of the league’s top teams – Las Vegas and Connecticut – next.
With a full roster last Wednesday at New York, the Mercury gave the Liberty all it could handle before losing 99-95. Phoenix hopes to have Taurasi back for Sunday’s contest.
Diana Taurasi on #Mercury playing with their full roster in close loss at New York #WNBA pic.twitter.com/Qd39mKZert
— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) July 6, 2023
Brittney Griner was held to 12 points against Minnesota after scoring at least 20 in four straight contests, and is averaging 19.3 overall for the Mercury.
Michaela Onyenwere has picked up her production lately, recording a season-high 24 points versus Minnesota and averaging 17.7 in three July games.
Phoenix is 0-7 ATS in the last seven games against Western Conference teams and the under is 5-1 at the sportsbook in the Mercury’s past six Sunday games.
Sparks vs Mercury Head-to-Head
Brown played a big role in the two victories for Los Angeles this season against the Mercury, averaging a team-high 20 points
Ogwumike had 17 points in the season-opening 94-71 win over the Mercury on May 19 and added 21 as the Sparks took the second meeting 99-93 in overtime at Phoenix on June 2.
Griner averaged 21 points in the two games and Taurasi 17.
The over is 2-0 in the two matchups this season if you were betting online, and 5-2 in the past seven meetings.
Sparks vs Mercury Game Information
- Game: Sparks (7-11) vs Lynx (3-14)
- Day/Time: Sunday, July 9, 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Ariz.
- Sparks vs Mercury Live Stream: WNBA.com
Sparks vs Mercury Betting Lines
Sparks vs Mercury Picks and Prediction
Much depends on what team shows up for the Mercury. If it’s the one that played the Liberty on Wednesday, Phoenix could end its losing streak.
Both teams are struggling to score, but have been getting more contributions. Sug Sutton has struggled the last two games for the Mercury, going 1-for-8 from the field, but had 10 assists versus Minnesota and could get back on track Sunday.
You have to expect Phoenix to put something together with Griner and Taurasi leading the way. Go with the Mercury, and for the teams to take out their frustrations on the offensive end
The Sparks are listed at +110 in our Las Vegas wnba odds. This means that if you wager $100 on Los Angeles, you have a chance to win $110. The Mercury are -130, offering a chance to win $77 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Sparks a 47.62% chance to win, with Phoenix at 56.52%.
