With only a few games to go before the all-important playoffs, it’s high time for the qualified teams to get all the things right and perform consistently well. The Washington Mystics will look to bounce back firmly when they host the Los Angeles Sparks for the next WNBA fixture on another blockbuster Sunday. The Mystics are coming off a loss to the Sky in the last game.
The leading scorer for Washington from that game was Myisha Hines-Allen who scored 21 points. She also added 6 rebounds and 4 assists to her name. Shakira Austin also looked good as she finished with 17 points and 4 rebounds. The Mystics have a good chance to register another thumping home win in the next clash with the Sparks.
The Los Angeles Sparks have no one to blame except themselves for their sorry state of affairs in the tournament. After 6 consecutive losses, the Sparks are looking set to get eliminated from the race of the playoffs very soon.
In the last game, they fought hard against the Dream but couldn’t avoid a loss by a margin of just 2 points by the end. Brittney Sykes led her side single-handedly and scored 23 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists. However, she lacked good support from the players. The Sparks need to correct many things if they want to finish the season with pride.
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Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks: Odds
| Platform | Mystics | Sparks | Predicted Winner |
| FiveThirtyEight | 83% | 17% | Mystics |
Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks: Recent Form
The Washington Mystics are having a satisfying season so far. They are currently at 20-13 in the third position of the Eastern Conference (Overall #5 seed). Washington has won 3 of the last 5 fixtures. In the home games, they have been 11-5 till now. The Mystics will be hosting the LA Sparks after facing an 83-93 loss to the Chicago Sky in the last game.
The LA Sparks were looking good to qualify for the postseason but their recent performances have ruined their campaign. They are currently at 12-20 in the last position of the Western Conference (Overall #11 seed). Los Angeles will look to avoid their seventh straight loss in the upcoming game against the Washington Mystics. In the last fixture, they faced a 86-88 loss to the Atlanta Dream.
Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks: Head to head
There have been 34 meetings so far between these two teams in the WNBA. The LA Sparks are ahead with 19 wins, while the Washington Mystics managed to win 15 games. If we talk about the last 5 fixtures, 3 games were won by Washington and 2 by Los Angeles.
The previous meeting took place this season on 12 July 2022. The Washington Mystics won that fixture with a score of 94-81.
Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks: Best Picks
Elena Delle Donne
Elena is extremely talented. Appearing 6 times in the WNBA All-Star team, 2x WNBA MVP and former WNBA Champion, she’s been adorned with laurels.
She’s having an incredible season as well, averaging 19.9 points per game, paired with 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists. She’s an excellent mid-range shooter, is capable of slashing through defense with her layups and has an incredible 3-pt range.
Brittney Sykes
Despite being 5’9, Sykes is a formidable defender. She can guard anyone full court without any problems, and once she has the ball in her hands she shoots and passes with a smoothness not every player possesses. She’s leading the Sparks’ defensive side, and loves the roles she plays for the team.
This season, she is averaging 10.8 points per game along with 3.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds. She has been consistent with her performance throughout.
Ariel Atkins
Ariel Atkins might just be the most versatile player in the WNBA right now. Possessing incredible shot IQ and defensive IQ, she excels at both, attack and defense. Atkins is a master at perimeter defense and her pass perception can also lead her to stealing balls and execute quick turnovers.
As a shooter, she is flawless. She is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 revounds and 2.4 assists per game.
Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks: Possible Lineup
Washington Mystics: Guard- Ariel Atkins | Guard- Natasha Cloud | Forward- Alysha Clarke | Forward- Myisha Hines-Allen | Center– Shakira Austin
LA Sparks: Guard- Brittney Sykes | Guard- Jordin Canada | Forward- Nneka Ogwumike | Forward- Katie Lou Samuelson | Center– Olivia Nelson-Ododa
Prediction
It looks like an easy task for the Washington Mystics to crush the LA Sparks in their home arena. They have been a very strong side at the Entertainment & Sports Arena this season.
On the other hand, the LA Sparks are looking clueless after so many back-to-back defeats. They need to think of a new strategy if they want to give a good fight to Washington in the upcoming matchup. All the predictions and betting platforms are favoring the Mystics for this fixture.
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