Los Angeles Sparks vs. Connecticut Sun Predictions, Picks, and Odds 8/27/23

The Los Angeles Sparks, winners of six straight games, take on the Connecticut Sun for the first time since mid-June on Sunday. The game will tip off a four game slate in the WNBA, and serve as a barometer for the Sparks as they take another step up in play against a top three team.

Connecticut has already secured a playoff berth for the 7th straight season, but look to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to the New York Liberty.

The Sun led by 21 points mid-way through the game, and were up multiple possessions with less than a minute left, but costly fouls and turnovers sent the game to overtime and an eventual loss as a shorthanded Sun team ran out of gas.

DiJonai Carrington, a leading candidate for Sixth Player of the Year, has already been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup.

Prediction

This marks Sparks point guard Jasmine Thomas and Head Coach Curt Miller’s first return home to Uncasville since the 2022 WNBA Finals.

The Sun have retooled their roster and built fully around Alyssa Thomas, putting together an MVP caliber season. 

While the Sun won the first meeting of the season, both of these teams look starkly different than they did on June 18th when the Sun took home an 83-74 victory on the road. Brionna Jones, Connecticut’s starting center, went down with a season-ending injury the game after. 

Los Angeles was without Layshia Clarendon and in the midst of working through a plethora of injuries and illnesses. They now have the third best point-differential in the league in August, the 2nd best defense over that stretch, and are getting stellar play from franchise star Nneka Ogwumike, averaging 18.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.5 combined steals and blocks per game with 60.24% true-shooting. She’s been sensational and one of the best in the league all year, but leading the way even more so now. 

Both teams rely on staunch defenses to set the table for their offenses: Connecticut ranks first in the W in August in forced turnover percentage, and the Sparks rank 2nd.

It will be key to watch how the Sun are able to score in the halfcourt, something that’s been difficult for them to find consistency with in the second half of the season. Especially considering how well the Sparks have stifled similar read and react style offenses (Atlanta and Las Vegas), that’s noteworthy headed into this matchup.
Score Prediction: Sun 71 Sparks 68

Players to Watch

Sparks forward Azura Stevens has found her groove since fully recovering from injury and working back into the rotation, fashioning herself as one of the better frontcourt starters in the league over the last 15 games.

At 6’6, Stevens is a matchup problem for most frontcourts, with touch inside the arc and from range, but also the fluidity to attack the basket, and the vision to move the ball when she draws help. She’s versatile on both ends, capable of shutting down pick and rolls at the rim or switching out onto guards. On offense, she’s adept playing out of the short roll screening for Jordin Canada.

What’s made Stevens so impactful is how much she can do at an above average level, unlocking a multitude of schemes and styles for the Sparks.

How to Watch

The Connecticut Sun will host the Los Angeles Sparks at Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday August, 27th at 1pm EST. You can watch the game on CBS Sports Network.