This season isn’t going to end in a playoff appearance for the Los Angeles Sparks or the Chicago Sky. But there’s still plenty to play for, as the two teams evaluate their rosters to figure out who is a core piece for next season. You sure can’t tell these players that this matchup doesn’t matter.
The Sky enter as 2.5-point home favorites with -135 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Sparks are +114 underdogs, with the game total set at 188.5 points.
Let’s dive into a preview, prediction, and pick for this Sparks-Sky matchup.
Sparks vs. Sky Prediction, Preview
The first matchup between these teams was a dominant offensive showing for the Sparks in a 102-87 win. All five starters scored 15+ points, an awfully impressive feat for a team playing without Kelsey Plum. Nneka Ogwumike led the charge with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. The Sky just couldn’t keep pace, despite solid performances from Kamilla Cardoso and two rookies, Sydney Taylor and Gabriela Jaquez.
But the Sky got their revenge in the next matchup, a 96-82 victory. Though Nneka balled once again, Chicago was able to keep Rae Burrell and Ariel Atkins in check, simplifying their game plan against that Los Angeles offense. Once again, they got strong performances from Taylor and Cardoso, but it was Natasha Cloud making the difference. Tash provided 15 points, six rebounds, and nine assists to go with her usual strong brand of defense.
The Sparks are a much different team now with Kelsey Plum going to the Mercury in a deadline deal, but it is worth noting that Plum missed both matchups against the Sky with a leg injury. If anything, this matchup has shifted in favor of LA after the trade, as they add Monique Akoa Makani to the rotation.
It’s all about the offenses here. Chicago wasn’t much of a scoring threat early in the season, but the emergence of Taylor as their go-to scoring guard has sure changed things. They will certainly miss Azurá Stevens, who will be out of the game for personal reasons, but they have the firepower to take advantage of Los Angeles’ rough defense. Conversely, the Sparks have a lot of scoring punch, even with Plum gone. Nneka, Dearica Hamby, and Rae Burrell are a trio worth reckoning with. If Ariel Atkins and Erica Wheeler are bringing the shot-making and passing to the table, look out.
If you’re looking for defensive difference makers, Cam Brink stands out. Her rim protection can make a big difference against a Sky team that is looking to get busy in the paint. Cardoso can be quite the deterrent herself against the Ogwumikes and Hambys of the world when she’s on her game. But it’s a tall task for those two to stop the tide.
Now that we know these teams a bit better, who is going to pull out the win, and how should we bet this game?
Sparks vs. Sky Pick, Best Bet
The scoring will be off the chain here, which is why there’s such a high total. But I have a hard time seeing the Sparks keeping up here. Chicago has turned things around in a big way with Sydney Taylor’s breakout. Sky head coach Tyler Marsh has opened up the playbook in a big way, and they’ve been an exciting team as of late. I expect Chicago to take care of business in a shoot-em-up game.
