The WNBA playoffs race is reaching its final week, and even teams out of contention are influencing the standings. The Los Angeles Sparks, all but eliminated, still hold small hope, though the task ahead is near impossible.<\/p>
After back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles sits ninth in the standings and must win its remaining three games to stay alive. At the same time, the Sparks need both the Indiana Fever<\/a> or Seattle Storm to lose all their remaining contests.<\/p> The Sparks face the Dallas Wings on Sunday, but even before tipoff, their hopes may collapse. Earlier that day, Indiana plays the Washington Mystics in Baltimore. A Fever win clinches their playoff berth and reduces the Sparks’ fate to Seattle’s result against Golden State on Tuesday.<\/p>