“Sparks heating up. Sun struggling to rise.” That’s the story heading into this Thursday’s non-conference clash as the Connecticut Sun host the Los Angeles Sparks at Mohegan Sun Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on NBCS-BOS and SportsNet LA.

Let’s break down the key storylines, injuries, starting lineups, and prediction for this Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks WNBA matchup.

Where to Watch

Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Watch on: NBCS-BOS, SportsNet LA
Streaming: Fubo, ESPN+, Paramount+

These two teams met only weeks ago, with the Los Angeles Sparks pulling off a gritty 92–88 win at home on July 13. Now, LA comes into this matchup with a three-game win streak, including two victories over Washington and that earlier triumph over Connecticut. Meanwhile, the Sun has lost three straight and is sitting at the bottom of the league with a record of 3-19.

• Sparks Record: 9-14 (10th overall, two games out of the playoff picture)
• Sun Record: 3-19 (13th, last in the standings)

Connecticut Sun vs Sparks Injury Report – July 24 WNBA Game

Connecticut Sun

• Marina Mabrey (knee): PROBABLE
• Saniya Rivers (ankle): OUT

Los Angeles Sparks

• Cameron Brink (knee): OUT

Probable Starting Lineups – Connecticut Sun vs Sparks

Connecticut Sun

• Tina Charles

• Olivia Nelson-Ododa

• Bria Hartley

• Jacy Sheldon

• Leigha Brown
  (Replaces Saniya Rivers, who is injured)

Los Angeles Sparks

• Dearica Hamby

• Azura Stevens

• Rickea Jackson

• Kelsey Plum

• Julie Allemand

Team Insights

Los Angeles Sparks Team Insights – Stats, Stars & Trends

• Points per game: 83.7 (4th in WNBA)
• Field goal percentage: 45.3%
• Points allowed: 86.8 (12th)
• Three-point shooting: 35.1% (2nd in WNBA)
• Free-throw percentage: 75.4%
• Key Players:
  • Kelsey Plum: 19.7 PPG, 5.8 APG, 2.5 3 PM
  • Dearica Hamby: 17.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG
  • Azurá Stevens: 14.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG

The Los Angeles Sparks may be leaky on defense, but their offense is humming. Kelsey Plum is succeeding in a lead role after years of sharing touches in Las Vegas, while Hamby continues her All-Star-caliber form even if the league didn’t identify her this season. Rickea Jackson’s improved scoring and Stevens’ outside shooting have added depth during LA’s hot streak.

Connecticut Sun WNBA Team Form – Offensive Woes & Key Players

• Points per game: 72.7 (13th)
• Field goal percentage: 39.9%
• Points allowed: 88.0 (13th)
• Three-point shooting: 29.2% (13th)
• Free-throw percentage: 80.3%
• Key Players:
  • Tina Charles: 15.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG
  • Bria Hartley: 8.8 PPG, 3.0 APG
  • Olivia Nelson-Ododa: 6.0 RPG, 1.3 BPG
  • Leigha Brown: 7.1 PPG
  • Aneesah Morrow: 7+ rebounds in 3 of last 4 games

The Sun is simply struggling to stay floating. Their offense lacks firepower, and their defense has been porous all season. Tina Charles remains a cheerful place, but at 36, she’s more of a mentor than a long-term solution. With Mabrey out, the burden falls heavily on Hartley and Sheldon to generate offense. The Sun have scored 77 or more in 3 of their last 4 games, but continue to lose close games late.

Prediction: Can the Sun Snap the Skid?

The Sparks are picking up steam at the right time. Dearica Hamby has been dominant in the paint, Rickea Jackson is clicking as a secondary scorer, and Azurá Stevens provides steady production. With a fast pace and deadly perimeter shooting, LA is starting to look like a playoff team, if only their defense can hold up.

The Sun, meanwhile, is in rebuild mode. They’ve been outscored by 15.3 points per game and are losing the rebounding battle nearly every night. Without Mabrey, they lack perimeter creation and floor spacing, which puts even more pressure on Tina Charles inside.

Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Sparks 87, Connecticut Sun 79

Expect the Sparks to come out pushing the speed and launching, while Connecticut will need a near-perfect game from Tina Charles and a breakout from their young backcourt to stay in it. LA’s scoring depth and rhythm should be enough to secure their fourth straight win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.