Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury Predictions, Picks, and Odds 8/23/23

The red hot Los Angeles Sparks, fresh off a win over the top-seeded Aces, look to extend their winning streak to five games in Wednesday’s lone WNBA action. 

They take on the Phoenix Mercury at home, a team on the opposite end of the spectrum, eager to get back in the win column after three straight losses.

Dianna Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Shey Peddy are all out for Phoenix. Nia Clouden, Chiney Ogwumike, Lexie Brown, and Katie Lou Samuelson are all still out for the Sparks.

The Sparks are 10.5 point favorites, per FanDuel, with moneyline odds of -700. The Mercury have +470 odds to pull the upset. The scoring total is listed at 153.5, with this expected to be a slower paced grind-out game.

Prediction

While the Sparks have hovered around average on offense, cobbling together possessions in the halfcourt and pushing in transition for easier baskets, they’ve set the table defensively. In August, LA has the 2nd best defensive rating in the league, allowing just 95.5 points per 100 possessions, second only to the New York Liberty.

The Sparks, led by Nneka Ogwumike, have finally found a modicum of health in the frontcourt. Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby have been vital for opening up lineups for Head Coach Curt Miller. 

Layshia Clarendon’s been stellar for the Sparks’ since they’ve gotten healthy, averaging 10.5 points, 3 boards, and 3 assists with strong efficiency since the end of July, including three straight performances of 15 points or more.

Everything is clicking for the Sparks and everything feels to be sputtering for the Mercury. Without Taurasi and Griner, the Mercury miss two integral parts of their offense, arguably the two most integral, and their most impactful defender. The Mercury are 1-7 without Griner in the starting lineup; I’d expect that trend to continue tonight.

Score Prediction: Sparks 88 Mercury 77

Players to Watch

Sparks starting point guard Jordin Canada is enjoying a sensational season, the best of her career. She was deserving of All-Star consideration, has a strong case for Most Improved Player, and would make my First Team All-Defense if voting ballots were submitted today.

https://twitter.com/MG_Schindler/status/1692976488398655676?s=20 

Since the All-Star Break (11 Games) Canada is averaging 15.6 points per game, 4.1 boards, and 6.7 assists along with 2.4 steals. She’s only upticked her play, taken more shots from deep with confidence, and opened the floor with her playmaking and first step.

Watching her two player game with Stevens grow across the season has been a joy, and that pairing is one to look out for against a depleted Mercury team.

How To Watch

The Los Angeles Sparks will host the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday August, 23rd at 10pm EST. You can watch the game on CBS Sports Network.