Two squads, standing at the edge of the All-Star break, eyeing one last statement before the 2025 season halftime. A win here will set the tone for when the season will resume on July 22nd. Because, coincidentally, they’re set to face each other again upon returning. And the winner will get to step in with a roar. Moreover, both the Mystics and Sparks are entering this clash riding high off wins against the Storm and Sun, respectively. So momentum? Check.
“I think our team has done a great job in the fourth quarter since the start of the season,” said Mystics guard Brittney Sykes. “I’d say we’ve been poised and confident, especially on the defensive end.” On the other side, Sparks coach Lynne Roberts praised her squad’s composure. She said, “I never sensed the team get tight or get out of the flow of it.” Now, with confidence brewing on both benches, it’s a battle of who can carry that swagger into the break, and beyond. Let’s break it down for you…
Where to watch the Exciting LA Sparks vs Washington Mystics
Date: Tuesday, 15th July
Time: 10:00 PM ET (Eastern Time)
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, or NBA TV, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). For viewers who are willing to opt for streaming services, this game can be watched using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, and YouTube TV.
The Injury Report
Los Angeles Sparks
Cameron Brink: Out (Left ACL recovery)
Brink, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has not played since June 18, 2024. A torn ACL and meniscus in her left knee sidelined her last season. It’s unclear when exactly she will be back. However, Sparks HC Lynne Roberts has said that they expect her to return before the month of July ends.
Washington Mystics
Georgia Amoore: Out (Right ACL recovery)
Amoore is currently out indefinitely. It happened after she suffered an ACL injury during team practice. The status does not provide an official timeline. However, the good news is that she underwent successful surgery as the Mystics franchise announced on Friday.
Predicted Starting Lineup
Los Angeles Sparks
Dearica Hamby (#5): 16.8 PTS, 32.5 MIN, 7.6 REB, 3.7 AST, 1.9 STL, 0.5 BLK
Azurá Stevens (#23): 14.7 PTS, 29.0 MIN, 8.7 REB, 1.9 AST, 1.5 STL, 1.3 BLK
Rickea Jackson (#2): 12.5 PTS, 30.3 MIN, 2.9 REB, 1.9 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.4 BLK
Kelsey Plum (#10): 20.1 PTS, 35.7 MIN, 3.1 REB, 5.8 AST, 1.4 STL, 0.2 BLK
Julie Allemand (#20): 4.1 PTS, 22.2 MIN, 2.9 REB, 3.3 AST, 0.9 STL, 0.0 BLK
Washington Mystics
Shakira Austin (#0): 12.2 PTS, 21.3 MIN, 6.5 REB, 1.8 AST, 0.9 STL, 0.9 BLK
Kiki Iriafen (#44): 12.1 PTS, 24.8 MIN, 8.5 REB, 1.4 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.1 BLK
Brittney Sykes (#20): 17.6 PTS, 32.3 MIN, 3.8 REB, 4.5 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.3 BLK
Sug Sutton (#1): 7.0 PTS, 24.5 MIN, 1.5 REB, 3.1 AST, 1.1 STL, 0.2 BLK
Sonia Citron (#22): 14.4 PTS, 33.6 MIN, 4.9 REB, 1.9 AST, 1.0 STL, 0.3 BLK
How LA Sparks vs Washington Mystics Might Go Down
Even ESPN gives the Sparks a 60.6% chance to win tomorrow’s LA Sparks vs Washington Mystics, it’s definitely not a sure thing. It’s because the Mystics are rolling in with serious momentum after three straight wins. That includes a big-time victory over the higher-seeded Seattle Storm. Meanwhile, L.A. has struggled lately. They have lost seven of their last ten games, and they’re still trying to find their groove despite a recent win against Connecticut.
Yes, the Sparks have the advantage in overall scoring (82.5 PPG vs. Washington’s 78.4) and have star players like Kelsey Plum, who is putting up 20.1 points and nearly 6 assists per game. But don’t sleep on Washington’s defense. It has become a major strength. They zre giving up fewer points per game than L.A. and just held three straight opponents under 70 points.
Factor in Brittney Sykes’ all-around impact (17.6 PPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG), Kiki Iriafen’s dominance on the boards (8.5 RPG), this game is way more up in the air than it seems. On paper, it might’ve looked like L.A.’s game, but don’t be shocked if the Mystics steal one on their home court. Stay tuned in to know what happens.
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