WNBA Game Preview: Los Angeles Sparks (9-14) vs. Connecticut Sun (3-19)

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Connecticut Sun logo

Thursday, July 24, 2025 – 7:00 PM ET
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT

Matchup Overview

The Sparks enter this matchup riding a wave of offensive momentum, having won three of their last four games. Meanwhile, the Sun are in the midst of a rebuilding season and have dropped three straight. Despite their record, Connecticut has shown flashes of resilience, especially at home.

TeamRecordLast 5 GamesWin Probability
Los Angeles Sparks9–14W-W-W-L-W65.9%
Connecticut Sun3–19L-L-L-W-L34.1%

Key Players to Watch

Los Angeles Sparks

Kelsey Plum – Averaging 19.7 PPG, Plum is the offensive engine, lethal from deep and in transition.

Dearica Hamby – Dominating the paint with 18.4 PPG over her last 10 games; her rebounding and interior scoring are pivotal.

Rickea Jackson – Emerging as a bench spark, contributing timely buckets and energy.

Connecticut Sun

Tina Charles – Veteran presence with 15.6 PPG and 5.6 RPG; her post play will be crucial.

Bria Hartley – Leading scorer in their last meeting with 25 points; capable of heating up quickly.

DiJonai Carrington – Defensive anchor on the perimeter, tasked with slowing Plum.

Statistical Breakdown

CategorySparksSun
Points Per Game83.772.7
FG%45.3%39.6%
3PT Made/Game8.65.9
Rebounds/Game32.631.0
Assists/Game20.416.5
Turnovers/Game14.913.8
Defensive Rating11th13th
Pace3rd13th

Tactical Matchups

Interior Battle: Hamby vs. Charles will be a bruising duel. Charles has the edge in finesse, but Hamby’s hustle and rebounding could swing momentum.

Backcourt Pressure: Plum’s scoring vs. Carrington’s defense is a marquee matchup. If Carrington can contain Plum, Connecticut has a shot.

Tempo Control: Sparks play fast; Sun prefer a grind-it-out pace. Whoever dictates tempo will likely control the flow.

Trends:

Sparks games have gone over the total in 15 of 23 contests.

Sun are 4–1 ATS in their last five despite losing four.

Sparks won the last meeting 92–88 on July 13.

GAME ODDS

Los Angeles Sparks          – 6

Connecticut Sun               166.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.