The New York Liberty have been in a free fall ever since last year’s MVP Jonquel Jones got sidelined with an ankle injury. With four losses in their last five games, the defending champions are desperately looking to get back on winning ways. They have received a major boost ahead of their upcoming game as Leonie Fiebich is finally back. The forward, who was representing the German National Team at the EuroBasket, is back, and the Liberty finally have one more starter back on their side.
Further good news might be on the cards for the Liberty as they will face the struggling Los Angeles Sparks next. The Sparks, who have won just 5 games a season, are coming off an 85-92 loss against the Chicago Sky and will be looking to bounce back with a win as well. But will they be able to do it?
Where to watch the New York Liberty vs the Los Angeles Sparks
You can watch these two teams clash on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. For those unable to attend the game, don’t worry, the game will be broadcast on FOX5 New York, SportsNet LA, and Liberty Live. It can also be viewed by taking the WNBA pass.
Injury report: Will Jonquel Jones play?
For the Sparks, their only notable absentee will be Cameron Brink. She remains sidelined as she recovers from her ACL injury, with no clear timeline for return. But there’s some good news for the Sparks. Rae Burrell, who’s been out since the season opener with a leg injury, is finally back and available to play. This will undoubtedly be a huge boost for Coach Lynne Roberts.
The Liberty will once again be without their star center, Jonquel Jones, who is still expected to be sidelined for a few more weeks. Meanwhile, forward Annika Soltau is listed as a game-time decision. Her availability will be the one to watch out for.
Predicted Starting Lineup
New York Liberty
Breanna Stewart
Nyara Sabally
Leonie Fiebich
Natasha Cloud
Sabrina Ionescu
Los Angeles Sparks
Dearica Hamby
Azura Stevens
Rickea Jackson
Rae Burrell
Kelsey Plum
Predictions: New York Liberty favorites against the Sparks
After losing 3 of their last 4 games in this brutal road trip, the Liberty will be looking to come back to winning ways. The fans at the Barclays Center will be hoping to see a much better performance from the team now that Fiebich has returned. Naturally, ESPN gives them an 84.2% chance of coming away with the dub.
And to be fair, the numbers back up ESPN’s prediction. The Sparks rank 7th in scoring with 81.6 points per game, but defensively, it’s a totally different story! They are ranked 11th in the league, conceding 86.5 points per game. When you compare these numbers with the Liberty, you realise just how big a gap there is between the two teams.
The Liberty are scoring 87.6 points per game, making them the highest-scoring team in the league. Their defense isn’t bad either. Sabrina Ionescu and co give up just 79.9 points a game this season. Sure, their recent form has dipped, but let’s not forget that the Sparks have also managed just one win in their last five games.
Both teams will head into the game in bad form. But if we had to pick between two struggling sides, we’d lean toward the team that has the edge on paper. So, our pick? The Liberty take this one. What about you? Who do you think wins tonight? Let us know in the comments down below!
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