Jul 22, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) attempts to drive past Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) during the first quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

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Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks WNBA Prediction & Best Bets- 08/17/2025

On Sunday, August 17, the Washington Mystics (15-18) will host the Los Angeles Sparks (16-17). The Mystics have slipped to the 10th spot while the Sparks are stuck at 9th despite their recent upheaval.

During their last encounter, the Mystics earned an 88-84 win against the Indiana Fever as rookie Sonita Citron exploded for 21 points.

Kiki Iriafen had her third straight double-double as the Mystics had their second win in three games following a four-game losing streak.

On the other hand, the Sparks eked out another clutch 97-96 against the league’s second-worst, Dallas Wings.

Kelsey Plum led with 28 points as the team sizzled for an 11/25 performance from the three-point line.

Which team will get a much-needed win here? Check the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.

Where to Watch Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks

Time: 3:00 PM (ET)
Venue: CareFirst Arena, Washington.
Where to watch: Catch the action on WNBA League Pass.

Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks Lineups, News, Form

Washington Mystics

The Mystics are 9-7 away from home.
Sug Sutton has dished 4 or more assists in four of the last five games. (3.4 APG)
Jade Melbourne has made 0 triples in the last six games combined (0.7 triples per game).

Mystics Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Sug Sutton | SG: Jade Melbourne | SG/SF: Sonia Citron | PF: Kiki Iriafen | C: Stefanie Dolson

Key bench players: SG/SF: Alysha Clark, PF: Emily Engstler.

Injuries/Updates: The status of Shakira Austin and Jacy Sheldon is UNCLEAR. Georgia Amoore is OUT for the season.

Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks are 10-7 away from home (3rd best).
Dearica Hamby has scored 19 or more in four of the last six games. (Season-17.7 PPG).
Julie Allemand is dishing 7.1 APG over the last seven games. (Season-4.6 APG).

Sparks Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Kelsey Plum | PG: Julie Allemand | SF: Rickea Jackson | PF: Dearica Hamby | C: Azura Stevens

Key bench players: SG: Rae Burrell, PF: Cameron Brink

Injuries/Updates: All fit and fine thus far.

Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks Total Over/Under Prediction- WNBA Best Bets

The Sparks are the best offensive team right now. They have scored 94 or more in six of the last seven games. Defensively, they are also prone to giving up similar points at a high clip.

On the other hand, the Mystics have improved their offense and score 80+ much more regularly. Citron and Iriafen’s improved offense has been a big reason for that.

The Mystics’ defense is tighter than Sparks, and they usually hold opponents below 85.

However, the Sparks are experts at forcing tough defensive teams to play a high-scorer, too. Going for “Over” in Sparks-related battles has been wise.

Total: Over 169.5 for -115 at BetMGM

Here is an overview of my selections

Picks	BetMGM Odds
Total O 169.5	-115
Spread- Sparks –3.5	-105
Rickea Jackson O 15.5 Points	TBD
Money Line- Sparks	-150

Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks Player Props Predictions- WNBA Betting Picks

Rickea Jackson O 14.5 Points: Jackson has improved her play brilliantly. She is averaging 14.2 PPG, a huge improvement from around 11 PPG not long ago.

She has scored 20 or more in half of the games these days, but she is prone to single-digit scoring too (4 in the last 11 games). However, I see her floating somewhere in the 15-19 range.

Sonia Citron O 14.5 Points: Citron has been the second-best scoring rookie besides Paige Bueckers. She is tallying 14.8 PPG, scoring 15 or more in seven of the last eight games.

I can see her scoring at least 15 here.

Kelsey Plum O 18.5 Points: Plum has been outstanding throughout the year. She has contributed 20 PPG and has put up at least 20 in three straight games. I see her following a similar trajectory.

Main pick: Rickea Jackson O 14.5 Points at BetMGM

Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks Spread Prediction

The Mystics have been inconsistent these days, and Brittney Sykes’ departure has significantly weakened them. Thus, their excellent form at home has taken a hit, too.

On the other hand, the Sparks are 2-2 over their last four games, but were 9-1 before that. LA’s road form has been impeccable, too.

Overall, the Sparks look like the favorites here despite not having the home-court advantage. I believe the Sparks will win this one to continue their quest for the playoffs.

Mystics vs Sparks Spread: Sparks -3.5 for -105 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

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Sonia Citron

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Shubham Singh

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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!