LA Sparks vs Washington Mystics: Injury Report, Starting 5, Prediction and More on Tonight’s WNBA Preview

Things look a whole lot different since the last time the Los Angeles Sparks and Washington Mystics met. For Washington, the playoffs are off the table, at this point, all they can do is play spoiler. The Sparks, meanwhile, are clinging to Lynne Roberts’ mantra: “We’re not going to quit.” Sure, both squads are coming off losses, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. And if recent weeks have taught us anything, it’s that eliminated teams have a way of catching fire late. LA better keep its guard up.

Where to Watch

• Date: August 31, 2025
• Time: 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
• TV: Monumental Sports Network
• Streaming: Fubo

Injury Report

LA Sparks

• Rickea Jackson (Day-to-Day): Tweaked her ankle vs the Mercury but returned to play against Indiana.

Washington Mystics

• Georgia Amoore (Out for Season): ACL injury.
• Jacy Sheldon (Out): Ankle injury, no timetable for return.

Probable Starters

Sparks

• Dearica Hamby (#5)
• Azura Stevens (#23)
• Rickea Jackson (#2)
• Kelsey Plum (#10)
• Julie Allemand (#20)

Mystics

• Alysha Clark (#32)
• Shakira Austin (#0)
• Kiki Iriafen (#44)
• Sug Sutton (#1)
• Sonia Citron (#22)

LA Sparks vs Washington Mystics: Preview & Prediction

The Mystics are on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Sparks enter the final game of a four-game homestand with their playoff hopes still alive. Sitting ninth, LA needs this one badly with only seven games left to make a push and still two games behind the Golden State Valkyries. 

Washington has struggled, dropping five straight since their win over the Sparks on Aug. 17, where they shot an impressive 59.3% from the floor. LA, meanwhile, is coming off back-to-back losses, including a close one to the Fever. And apart from the team math, both squads have stars who can explode, whether it’s a clutch fourth-quarter run or a hot shooting night that flips momentum. 

All eyes tonight will be on Sparks Kelsey Plum (20.1 PPG, 5.8 APG) and forward Dearica Hamby (17.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.3 APG). They’ve been one of the league’s most dangerous duos, combining for nearly 38 points a game. Plus, Rickea Jackson, who has been big in some of the important games. For the Mystics, rookie standout Sonia Citron leads with 15.3 points per game, while fellow rookie Kiki Iriafen adds 13.0 points and 8.6 rebounds.

Historically, LA holds a 40-24 series edge and has averaged nearly 96 points per game against Washington this season, shooting over 51% from the field. But, 12 of the last 13 meetings have been decided by 10 or fewer points so don’t count out another tight battle.

Prediction: Expect a competitive matchup early, but with home-court advantage and fresher legs, the Sparks should have the edge tonight.