Sun vs Sparks predictions
All eyes are going to be on Tina Charles after her impressive 20-point outing heading into this matchup. If you’ve been following the Connecticut Sun this season, you know Charles is their engine—she’s averaging 15.7 points per game and rarely backs down on the boards or in big moments. I wouldn’t be surprised if she flirts with another double-double, especially as the Sun look to shake things up on the road. Don’t sleep on Saniya Rivers, either; she’s emerging as a solid distributor, and if she gets her teammates going, the Sun could find themselves with some offensive rhythm. Olivia Nelson-Ododa might not get all the headlines, but watch for her gritty work inside, especially tracking down rebounds and second chances for Connecticut.
Looking at the Sparks lineup, Kelsey Plum is the clear player to watch—she’s been absolutely electric, pouring in nearly 20 points a game while orchestrating the offense with nearly six assists each night. You can just feel that she’s due for another big showing, especially facing a Connecticut defense that’s struggled with consistency. Azura Stevens adds a whole new dimension on the glass; her presence in the paint has been crucial for Los Angeles, especially with her 8.6 rebound average. If Stevens can control the boards and Plum heats up early, the Sparks could set the tone from tipoff and put Connecticut back on their heels.
Given how tough the Los Angeles Sparks have played at crypto.com Arena—even if their record might not glimmer at first glance—I think they’ll ride the energy at home this time. The Sun have had their moments, sure, but their road struggles are tough to ignore. With Plum leading the charge and Stevens cleaning up inside, I see Los Angeles pulling away late and snagging a much-needed win in front of their home crowd. So, what do you think—can Connecticut turn the tides, or are the Sparks just too much on their home floor?
