The Phoenix Mercury are set to take on the Los Angeles Sparks this Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT, following a narrow defeat against the Minnesota Lynx where Satou Sabally led the team with 26 points in a 74-71 loss.
Last season, the Sparks finished with an overall record of 8-32 and struggled in the Western Conference with a 5-15 record. They had defensive challenges, allowing an average of 85.6 points per game and a shooting percentage of 46.4% from opponents. In contrast, the Mercury had a more competitive record of 19-21, performing evenly in the Western Conference with a 10-10 record. They found success in creating scoring opportunities, averaging significant points off turnovers and second-chance plays.
In terms of injuries impacting the teams, the Sparks will be without Cameron Brink (knee) and Rae Burrell (leg), while the Mercury are missing Kahleah Copper (knee) and Natasha Mack (back).
This match carries importance as both teams look to improve their standings in the conference. Phoenix aims to bounce back from their last match, while Los Angeles hopes to leverage home court advantage to secure a much-needed win. The game is sure to be a key moment for both squads in their quest for better results this season.