The Los Angeles Sparks were once a proud franchise who were competing for championships. But they endured a tumultuous season in 2022 and hope to take positive steps in 2023 as they rebuild. Friday renews a rivalry with the Phoenix Mercury in one of the final preseason matchups before the WNBA games count.
Each team has plenty to play for beyond the WNBA standings, so here is a look at what fans looking to make Sparks vs Mercury betting picks may be expected.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury Odds
There are no game odds for this preseason matchup. However, the Mercury are +1800 – the fourth-best odds – to win the WNBA championship, and the Sparks are +3100.
It gives an idea of how Sparks vs Mercury betting picks may go when the two teams open the regular season one week from Friday.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury Information
Los Angeles Sparks vs Phoenix Mercury
Location of the game: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ.
Date & Time: Friday, May 12. 10 p.m. ET.
How to watch: WNBA League Pass
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury Analysis
Los Angeles Sparks Performance Recap and Analysis
The Sparks still have 17 players on their active roster with five more to cut, so expect them to bring in different rotations to get final evaluations completed. They have a good core of veterans, including Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike as forwards, Jasmine Thomas in her 13th season, Dearica Hamby in her ninth season, and Layshia Clarendon in her 10th season. Others with solid experience are Lexie Brown, Jordin Canada, Azura Stevens, Katie Lou, and Karlie Samuelson.
It is going to be difficult for the Sparks to cut, even with some of the veterans – and sisters – on the roster. Rookies Zia Cooke, Monika Czinano, and Yang Liwei still have to earn their spots. Though Cooke should be OK as the first-round pick, the same can’t be said for Czinano, who would likely be buried behind the veteran forwards already on the roster.
It is going to be a challenge for coach Curt Thomas, who has to rebuild a roster that finished 13-23 last season. That was the second-worst record in the league, yet was only two games from making the final playoff spot in the league of 12 teams.
Key Injuries
There are no injuries to report at this time.
Betting Trends to Know
No games have been played in 2023.
Phoenix Mercury Performance Recap and Analysis
There will be a lot of WNBA games predictions that side with the Mercury this season. They are a good team whose core did not change and, in fact, got the biggest element back.
Brittney Griner was missing last season when the Mercury went 15-21 and secured the final spot of the playoffs. Griner was detained in Russia in February 2022 and was not released until December. She was overseas playing and intended to return home to the United States as the Ukraine-Russia war started.
At 6 foot 9, her presence in protecting the paint was missed on the defensive end. Guards had to defend differently, and it opened up the perimeter game, too, for opponents. It also gives a big screener and skilled post-finisher to open up guard play on the offensive end alongside Diana Taurasi, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Moriah Jefferson, and Sophie Cunningham.
There are still 16 players on the Suns roster, so they will have to make four cuts. As a team looking to win a championship, the younger players will get some final evaluations.
Key Injuries
There are no injuries to report at this time.
Betting Trends to Know
No games have been played in 2023.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury Betting Picks
If odds are posted later, our Sparks vs Mercury betting picks would be the Mercury moneyline and a spread upwards of five points.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury Score Prediction
There should be a fair amount of veterans playing, so it should be a close game through stretches.
- WNBA Pick: Mercury 82, Sparks 74
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