Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Tip‑off: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Broadcast: NBA TV / Spectrum SportsNet / WNBA League Pass
The Sparks return home still searching for their first win of 2026, while the expansion‑era Toronto Tempo (1–1) arrive in Los Angeles looking to build on a strong early showing. Toronto’s blend of length, pace, and perimeter scoring has already made them one of the league’s most intriguing new teams. The Sparks, meanwhile, are battling injuries and inconsistency but remain dangerous at home.
VENUE — CRYPTO.COM ARENA
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Capacity: 19,068
- Court Profile: Fast floor, strong shooting sightlines
- Home‑court Edge: Sparks historically strong at home, but rebuilding roster still finding rhythm
INJURY REPORT
Toronto Tempo
- PG Jordin Canada — Probable (ankle) Expected to play; Tempo’s primary facilitator and perimeter defender.
- C Stephanie Mawuli — Questionable (knee) Game‑time decision; key to Tempo’s interior defense.
- SG Arella Guirantes — Probable (illness) Expected to be available; important secondary scorer.
Los Angeles Sparks
- C Dearica Hamby — Probable (shoulder) Expected to play; Sparks’ most reliable scorer and rebounder.
- PG Kia Nurse — Out (foot) Major loss to Sparks’ backcourt stability.
- SF Rae Burrell — Questionable (hamstring) Game‑time decision; wing depth impacted.
- C Azurá Stevens — Out (ankle) Sparks’ interior depth significantly weakened.
TEAM RECORDS & FORM
Toronto Tempo (1–1)
- Last 2 Games: W–L
- Offense: 82.0 PPG
- Defense: 79.5 PPG allowed
- Trend: Strong perimeter scoring, active defense, inconsistent rebounding
- Identity: Pace, spacing, aggressive guard play
Los Angeles Sparks (0–2)
- Last 2 Games: L–L
- Offense: 74.5 PPG
- Defense: 86.0 PPG allowed
- Trend: Defensive breakdowns, limited spacing, heavy reliance on Hamby
- Identity: Physicality, interior scoring, developing young core
RECENT TEAM FORM NOTES
Tempo
- Canada + Guirantes forming a dynamic backcourt
- Tempo pushing pace effectively
- Interior defense shaky without Mawuli
Sparks
- Hamby carrying the offense
- Backcourt struggling without Nurse
- Opponents shooting 47% from the field through two games
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Jordin Canada (TOR) vs. Aari McDonald (LA)
Canada’s playmaking vs. McDonald’s speed and pressure defense. Edge: Toronto
2. Dearica Hamby (LA) vs. Tempo Frontcourt
Hamby has a major advantage if Mawuli is limited or out. Edge: Sparks
3. Arella Guirantes (TOR) vs. Lexie Brown (LA)
Guirantes’ shot creation vs. Brown’s perimeter defense. Edge: Toronto
4. Rickea Jackson (LA) vs. Tempo Wings
Jackson’s scoring versatility is a key X‑factor for the Sparks. Edge: Even
SERIES HISTORY
- First‑ever meeting (Tempo expansion season)
- Sparks historically strong vs. expansion teams at home
- Toronto’s pace‑and‑space style presents matchup challenges for LA’s depleted roster
BETTING TRENDS
Toronto Tempo
- 1–1 ATS this season
- Overs hit in both games
- Strong first‑half scoring (43.5 PPG average)
Los Angeles Sparks
- 0–2 ATS
- Overs hit in both games
- Allowed 85+ points in both losses
Matchup Trends
- Sparks struggling to defend the perimeter
- Tempo averaging 10.5 made threes per game
- Sparks allowing opponents to shoot 38% from three
GAME ODDS
Toronto Tempo 170.5
Los Angeles Sparks – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 14, 2026
