The Phoenix Mercury started their season off the chains, winning their season opener for 2025 with a dominating win over the Seattle Storm. This win was facilitated by the incredible performance of star forward Satou Sabally, who scored 27 points to put the game away. As the Mercury prepare for their second game of the season, they face a formidable opponent in the Los Angeles Sparks, led by Kelsey Plum.
Although it is Plum’s first season in Hollywood, she has already left a mark by winning the game after posting a record-breaking score of 37 points in Sparks’ first game of the season. But there was one name that side glaringly missed– Cameron Brink. It has been about 11 months since LA last saw her on court, and the season opener wasn’t satisfying the long-lingering anticipation.
The star forward still remained sidelined for the following game when Napheesa Collier and co. outperformed the Sparks. Now, as they eye to bounce back into the winning columns against the tough Mercury side, will we finally get to see the star in action?
Mercury vs Sparks injury report and lineup: Who’s in and who’s out?
Unfortunately, no. Cameron Brink is still not ready to take the court for the Sparks. While there have been reports of her returning only next month, head coach Lynne Roberts isn’t very sure. “We don’t know the timeline, but she’s at home now getting all things she needs to get done there,” she had said ahead of the season opener. “She’s with us in spirit, but she’ll be back when she’s ready to roll.”
However, Brink won’t be the only one sitting this game out from LA’s side. Per the Sparks injury report, the following players have been excluded from the lineup:
#2 – Rickea Jackson – NWT – Concussion Protocol
#12 – Rae Burrell – NWT – Right Knee
#20 – Julie Allemand – PROBABLE – Left Knee
#22 – Cameron Brink – OUT – Left Knee
This will also mean that they will change the starting lineup from the last game with Jackson out of action. The lineup might look like:
#0 – Guard – Odyssey Sims
#10 – Guard – Kelsey Plum
#5 – Forward – Dearica Hamby
#23 – Forward – Azura Stevens
#21 – Center – Mercedes Russell
The Phoenix Mercury is also suffering a few injuries, with Kahleah Copper out for 4-6 weeks after undergoing surgery, and Natasha Mack out for approximately 2-3 weeks after suffering a lower back injury. However, the Mercury are expected to continue with their lineup from the last game after the very successful results obtained in game one. Their expected lineup will look like:
#8 – Guard – Monique Akoa-Makani
#33 – Guard – Sami Whitcomb
#0 – Forward – Satou Sabally
#24 – Forward – Kathryn Westbeld
#35 – Forward – Alyssa Thomas
Now, let us see which way we think the game is going to swing.
Game predictions: Will the Sparks bounce back after their loss
Both Sparks and Mercury have started their season with a win, but the Sparks failed to keep the Lynx at bay and suffered an 89-75 loss. This game will feature two of the best teams in the West and will be a huge conference matchup. Both Plum and Sabally will try and have defining performances to carry their teams to victory but who between the two is more likely to win the game?
According to the matchup predictor of ESPN, the Phoenix Mercury is set to take the game home quite comfortably with a 63.1% chance of winning. After suffering a loss in the last game and having their squad limited to nine players after a series of injuries, we are also leaning towards a Mercury victory as the Sparks simply look outmatched.
With the game being held in Phoenix, the Mercury will also be aided with a home court advantage as they try to remain undefeated after 2 games into the season. Let us see how the cramped Sparks match up against the daunting Mercury.
The post Is Cameron Brink Playing Tonight vs Phoenix Mercury? LA Sparks Injury Report, Starting-5, & More appeared first on EssentiallySports.