On Thursday, July 24, the Connecticut Sun (3-19) will host the Los Angeles Sparks (9-14) in a WNBA regular-season game. The Sun has been sinking at the 13th position (Last) throughout the season, while the Sparks are lingering at the 10th spot.
The Sun enters the match-up after a 77-85 loss against the Fever despite a 21-point performance by Tina Charles.
On the other hand, the Sparks had a riveting 93-86 win against the Washington Mystics as Dearica Hamby exploded for 24 points and 14 rebounds.
Can the improved Sparks make mincemeat out of the worst team in the league? Check the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Los Angeles Sparks
Sparks Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Kesley Plum | PG: Julie Allemand | SF: Rickea Jackson | PF: Dearica Hamby | C: Azure Stevens
Key bench players: PG: Julie Vanloo, SG: Rae Burrell.
Injuries/Updates: Cameron Brink (Yet to play this season) is likely to be OUT but CLOSE TO RETURN.
Connecticut Sun
Sun Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Jacy Sheldon | SG: Saniya Rivers | SF: Bria Hartley | PF/C: Tina Charles | C: Olivia Nelson-Ododa
Key bench players: SG: Leila Lacan, SG: Lindsay Allen, PF: Aneesah Morrow
Injuries/Updates: Marina Mabrey’s status is UNCLEAR(Missed last 9 games).
The Sparks are playing their best offense recently. The duo of Jackson and Hamby has overcome the low scoring from guard Plum. As a result, they have scored 90+ in three straight games. On the other hand, the Sun has certainly improved on both ends, but remains inconsistent.
They have scored 77 or more in three of the last four games (two 87+ performances), but their offense is unreliable. Both teams are prone to conceding 85+. The last game between the two produced 180 points, and we can be in similar territory again.
Total: Over 169.5 for -105 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total O 169.5 | -105 |
| Spread- Sparks -5.5 | -115 |
| Dearica Hamby O 16.5 Points | -110 |
| Money Line- Sparks | -250 |
Dearica Hamby O 17.5 points: Hamby has scored 20+ in two straight games. She has put up 17.2 PPG for the season and can exploit the vulnerable Sun defense. I expect a 17+ point outing here.
Tina Charles U 16.5 points: Sun’s leading scorer has put up 15.2 PPG for the season, but 20 or more in three of the last four games. The Sparks restricted her to around 9 last time. I see her climbing to the 10-14 range but falling below the projection by a margin.
Azure Stevens O 1.5 Three-Pointers: Stevens’ three-ball has been a reliable weapon for the Sparks. She has converted 2 or more in three of the last four games. I expect something similar here.
Main pick: Dearica Hamby O 16.5 points for -110 at BetMGM
This is Sparks’ game to lose. They are in their best spell yet, especially on the offensive end. Rickea Jackson’s improved play has helped the team to realize its true potential. On the other hand, the Sun has become used to losing by now, but such a team can spring up a surprise.
Overall, the Sparks should cover the spread here, and their big-time offensive players should have their share.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Sparks -5.5 for -115 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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