Carrying the torch from the legendary Tamika Catchings vs. Lisa Leslie era, the Fever and Sparks are back at it tonight. Even though the faces have changed, the fire hasn’t. Cameron Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, recently returned after missing over a year. Meanwhile, the No. 1 pick from the same night, Caitlin Clark, is sidelined with a groin injury. We were this close to seeing their long-awaited pro clash… but that one’s still on ice.

Still, the drama writes itself. Both teams are coming off wins against the Seattle Storm. Indiana survived a gritty 78-74 road grind. About LA, they dropped 108 points in a double-overtime classic. So, as far as the momentum goes, they’re both riding the wave. It’s a close one. So let us break it down for you.

Where to Watch the LA Sparks vs Indiana Fever?

• Date: Tuesday, 5th August
• Time: 7:00 PM ET (Eastern Time)
• Venue: Crypto.com arena, Los Angeles, California
• Streaming services: WNBA League Pass, FUBO, YouTube TV
• Cable services: CBS Sports Network, WTHR Channel 13, Spectrum SportsNet

Injury Report

Los Angeles Sparks:

Healthy roster, no reported injuries yet. The Sparks HC Lynne Roberts can enter into opponent’s territory relatively relaxed because since Cameron Brink’s return after 400+ days of rest due to an injured meniscus and ACL last season, the Sparks roster is complete.

Indiana Fever:

The Fever are still playing without their star guard and 2024 Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, who remains sidelined with a groin injury. As per the update from July 24, Clark has been ruled out for future games. She doesn’t have a timetable to return yet, according to Tony East of The Next.

Predicted Starting Lineup

Without any fresh injuries plaguing either teams, expect the same players to suit up as their previous matchups vs the Storm.

Los Angeles Sparks:

• Dearica Hamby (#5)
  MIN: 32.3 | PTS: 17.6 | REB: 8.1 | AST: 3.4 | STL: 1.7 | BLK: 0.5
• Azura Stevens (#23)
  MIN: 29.1 | PTS: 14.9 | REB: 8.5 | AST: 2.0 | STL: 1.4 | BLK: 1.3
• Rickea Jackson (#2)
  MIN: 31.0 | PTS: 13.9 | REB: 3.3 | AST: 2.0 | STL: 0.6 | BLK: 0.4
• Kelsey Plum (#10)
  MIN: 35.7 | PTS: 20.3 | REB: 3.3 | AST: 6.0 | STL: 1.4 | BLK: 0.1
• Julie Allemand (#20)
  MIN: 25.9 | PTS: 4.7 | REB: 3.7 | AST: 4.2 | STL: 1.2 | BLK: 0.0

Indiana Fever:

• Natasha Howard (#6)
  MIN: 24.4 | PTS: 11.6 | REB: 6.8 | AST: 1.4 | STL: 1.2 | BLK: 0.6
• Aliyah Boston (#7)
  MIN: 29.2 | PTS: 15.5 | REB: 6.8 | AST: 3.8 | STL: 1.0 | BLK: 1.0
• Kelsey Mitchell (#0)
  MIN: 30.8 | PTS: 19.5 | REB: 1.9 | AST: 2.9 | STL: 0.9 | BLK: 0.2
• Sophie Cunningham (#8)
  MIN: 25.2 | PTS: 8.0 | REB: 3.9 | AST: 0.9 | STL: 1.0 | BLK: 0.1
• Aari McDonald (#2)
  MIN: 26.2 | PTS: 9.8 | REB: 2.2 | AST: 4.7 | STL: 1.4 | BLK: 0.1

How the LA Sparks vs Indiana Fever Might Go Down…

The Indiana Fever will arrive in LA riding high on a 5-game winning streak, but don’t underestimate the Sparks based on their record. This could be another nail-biter. We’ve seen it before. Twice, actually. LA already owns two victories over Indiana this season: a 10-point win in June followed by a dramatic 89-87 thriller in July. However, while the Sparks lead the season series 2-0, this Fever squad has evolved.

Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring (19.5 PPG), and Aliyah Boston’s interior presence have finally synced up. Their recent two-week tear includes wins over Vegas, Chicago, Phoenix, Dallas and Seattle, propelling them to 5th place with the league’s second-best road record (9-6). But don’t count out the Sparks yet. They just hung 108 points on Seattle in a double-OT thriller behind explosive performances from Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby.

LA’s offense can light it up (85.5 PPG), and their Hamby/Stevens frontcourt duo dominates the boards. Statistically, both teams average identical 85.5 PPG, but Indiana’s defense is stingier (80.8 PA vs LA’s 88.0). The Sparks shoot marginally better from the field (45.6% vs 45.0%) but commit more turnovers. In clutch situations, surprisingly, the Fever have shown better composure recently.

However, LA holds home court advantage, and the psychological edge of having beaten this Indiana team twice already. ESPN gives Indiana a slim 55% advantage. That’s basically saying: buckle up for another close one. Though don’t be surprised if LA completes the season sweep.