The Los Angeles Sparks return to Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night to host the Dallas Wings. The Sparks sit at 16-18 and are battling to stay in the playoff mix. Dallas is 9-26 and has dropped seven of its last eight games. Los Angeles has won both meetings this season, including a 97-96 victory on August 15 in Dallas.
Los Angeles enters this game after a 95-86 loss to the Washington Mystics. Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 26 points while Kelsey Plum scored 25. Dallas is coming off a 106-87 loss to Las Vegas where Maddie Siegrist had a career-high 23 points. The Wings will again be without leading scorer Arike Ogunbowale, who has missed three straight games with knee soreness.
Sparks Preview – Defense Still an Issue
The Sparks have alternated wins and losses over their past five games. Despite solid offensive efforts, defense has remained inconsistent. Against Washington, Los Angeles allowed 95 points and was outrebounded 35-15. No Sparks player had more than four rebounds in the game, which showed a lack of presence inside.
Los Angeles allows 88.8 points per game, the highest mark in the league. This has made it difficult for them to string together wins despite having multiple scoring threats. Guard Azura Stevens noted the need for more consistency on defense across all four quarters.
On offense, Los Angeles remains productive. Hamby continues to lead with scoring and rebounding, while Plum has added reliable outside shooting. Rickea Jackson gives them another steady option, and Rae Burrell has provided depth off the bench. The Sparks rank among the better shooting teams but must improve on defense and rebounding to close games.
Wings Preview – Looking for Help Without Ogunbowale
The Wings are facing a tough stretch without their star guard. Ogunbowale’s absence leaves Dallas without its primary scorer and playmaker. In her place, Maddie Siegrist has stepped up, scoring 23 points against Las Vegas while shooting 11-for-15 from the field. Rookie Paige Bueckers added 18 points, showing flashes of her potential as a future team leader.
Dallas has not been able to get consistent production from outside. The team hit just 3-of-17 from beyond the arc against Las Vegas, continuing a pattern of poor three-point shooting. The Wings also trailed from start to finish in their last two games, struggling to find momentum without Ogunbowale.
Defensively, Dallas gives up 87.3 points per game, second most in the WNBA. They have also struggled to control the boards, making it harder to stop opponents from scoring in transition. With six games in the next 11 days, depth and balance will be tested. The Wings will need more contributions from role players to stay competitive on the road.
Key Matchups to Watch
One key matchup will be Hamby against the Dallas frontcourt. Hamby is one of the league’s most efficient scorers inside, and if she controls the paint, Los Angeles will have a clear advantage. Dallas will need Siegrist to not only score but also rebound against a Sparks team that has struggled on the glass.
Another factor will be the backcourt play. Plum has been consistent as a shooter and creator for Los Angeles. Without Ogunbowale, Dallas will rely heavily on Bueckers to keep pace in the guard matchup. If Plum and Jackson can get rolling, the Sparks will have the edge.
Betting Trends
The Sparks are 15-18-1 against the spread this season, while the Wings are 17-18 ATS. Los Angeles has covered in one of its last two wins over Dallas this year, including a 93-79 victory on June 6. Dallas has failed to cover in three of its past four games.
The total is set at 181.5, and the Sparks have been one of the stronger over teams at 24-9-1 on the season. Dallas is 19-16 to the over, but their recent scoring struggles without Ogunbowale may push the game lower. Head-to-head, the Sparks and Wings have split overs and unders in their last 10 meetings.
Betting Prediction
The Sparks are listed as 7.5-point favorites. With Dallas missing Ogunbowale and struggling defensively, Los Angeles should have the advantage at home. The Sparks have more scoring depth and will look to exploit Dallas on the boards after being dominated in their last game against Washington.
Expect Hamby and Plum to lead the Sparks in a steady offensive showing. Dallas will fight to stay close, but without their top scorer, they are at a clear disadvantage. The predicted score is Sparks 90, Wings 78, with Los Angeles covering the spread.
Pick: Sparks -7.5
