A week into the season, and the team looking for a win record finds itself ranking 9th. The LA Sparks went on a three-game losing streak before clinching a 91–78 win over the Chicago Sky. Thank Kelsey Plum for the offensive heavy lifting because the Lynne Roberts-led side is letting it slip on the other end of the floor– they rank 9th in terms of points allowed. Adding to that, the injury list highlights exactly where the young roster is falling short.

Notably, two of their key players have been unable to contribute, and losing nearly 18 points per game is a significant blow for LA, especially in close contests. Now, as the team prepares for a game against the No. 7th Atlanta Dream on May 27, will they have all the force they need?

Will the LA Sparks’ key players return for the game versus the Dream?

Rickea Jackson was one hopeful pick for the Sparks last season. The young forward averaged 13.4 points while shooting at 45% efficiency. She was in the running for the Rookie of the Year, too. But just when you thought she’d recreate it all the same and then some for her team, her impact was put on pause.

To put it simply, Jackson will be out for the fourth consecutive matchup. What’s even more frustrating is that the Sparks haven’t provided a clear timeline for her return. She’s currently in the league’s concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury in the third quarter of the game against the Minnesota Lynx. While driving for the ball, Jackson collided with Alanna Smith, taking a hard hit to the face. Not only was she ruled out of that game, but she hasn’t returned to the court since. And unfortunately, she’s not the only one missing.

Cameron Brink is still out due to her ACL tear. According to Holly Rowe, she’s not expected back before June. “I feel great, just taking it day by day,” the no.2 overall pick says. “And I’m really thankful that I’m not getting any pressure from the org, from the Sparks. They’re doing a really good job of just supporting me fully through this process. I’m feeling great and just taking it step by step.”

In the meantime, Brink has had time to study the game from the sidelines. She was on pace to lead the WNBA in blocked shots as a rookie. Now with a little more experience under her belt, expect her back stronger. After all, Kelsey Plum was pretty confident when she asserted, “the best young frontcourt in the league, and it’s not close.” Well, we are still awaiting the magic.

Until then, the Sparks’ injury list doesn’t end there.

Rae Burrell is another name there. The guard sustained a right knee injury during LA’s season opener against the Valkyries after awkwardly landing while defending a three-point attempt. She had to be carried off the court. Thankfully, it wasn’t a season-ending injury. The team expects her to return in six to eight weeks.

Then there’s Julie Allemand. She missed the entire 2024 season due to an ankle injury and had been steadily working her way back—until undergoing another meniscus surgery in April 2025. That procedure was expected to sideline her for four to six weeks. While that recovery window has now passed, Allemand is still listed as day-to-day. She remains probable for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Dream. If she suits up, LA will have eight active players available for the matchup.

Despite an incomplete roster, the LA Sparks got an opportunity to capitalise on!

While the Sparks are heading into the matchup with an incomplete roster, the playing field may still be somewhat balanced, especially if Julie Allemand returns, since the Atlanta Dream are also dealing with injuries to three key players. Most notably, nine-time WNBA All-Star and 2014 champion Brittney Griner will be out. This is a significant blow for the Dream, given she has been a consistent force this season, averaging 14.8 points per game across four outings while shooting an impressive 49% from the field.

Joining her on the sidelines are Te-Hina Paopao and Jordin Canada, both of whom will miss this game and likely a few more down the stretch. Paopao exited the game against the Dallas Wings in the first quarter due to a facial injury. She logged just six minutes before being ruled out for the remainder of the game. Prior to that, she was contributing nearly 7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game over her first three contests.

Canada, on the other hand, is recovering from a right knee injury sustained during the Dream’s preseason game against the Washington Mystics. Just 35 seconds into the matchup, she landed awkwardly while contesting a shot, causing her knee to buckle. She was assisted off the court and later ruled out for at least two weeks. So, with the Dream also facing key absences, the Sparks have a real opportunity to capitalize. But the question remains—will they seize it with Plum Dawg leading the way?