As the regular season winds down this week, the Sparks find themselves in a must-win situation, still fighting for a playoff spot. Their journey begins with a crucial matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. To keep their postseason hopes alive, LA must win in Phoenix and then defeat Las Vegas. But it won’t be easy—PHX Arena has been a fortress all season, with the Mercury posting a 15-6 home record. Add to that the MVP-level dominance of Alyssa Thomas, and the Sparks face an uphill battle on Tuesday.

Injury concerns for key starters Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson have put additional pressure on the Sparks, making their task even tougher. Despite these setbacks, coach Lynne Roberts is expected to rally her team and bring out their best in this win-or-go-home matchup. Before tipoff, let’s take a closer look at the latest injury report, the projected starting lineup, and where fans can catch all the action.

Phoenix Mercury vs LA Sparks: Where to watch

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Time: 10:00 PM PDT/ 1:00 AM EDT (September 10)

Venue: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ

Fans will have plenty of ways to follow the action. The arena can host up to 17,000 spectators, with tickets available through the official WNBA website. For those watching from home, the game will be shown on local TV channels, namely, Arizona’s Family Sports and Merc+. Viewers can also stream it live through WNBA League Pass. With the broadcast details settled, let’s shift to the latest injury report ahead of the matchup.

Phoenix Mercury vs LA Sparks Injury Report

Phoenix Mercury

The Phoenix roster comes into this matchup completely healthy, a rare luxury given the injury challenges teams have faced this season. Their opponents, however, do not share the same fortune, with key players sidelined and depth stretched thin. This health advantage could prove pivotal, giving Phoenix an edge as they look to maintain their dominance and capitalize on the Sparks’ struggles.

LA Sparks

• Kelsey Plum: GTD (Game Time Decision)
• Rickea Jackson: GTD (Game Time Decision)

Kelsey Plum is listed as questionable for the Sparks’ matchup against the Phoenix Mercury due to a left foot injury. Rickea Jackson, meanwhile, sustained a right ankle injury late in the third quarter against Phoenix on August 26. Although she briefly left the game, Jackson returned and has continued to see playing time since.

In the following contest, Jackson was initially marked as questionable and a game-time decision but was cleared to suit up after warmups. Most recently, ESPN upgraded her status to probable, noting that her injury is improving. The final call on both Plum and Jackson’s availability will be made by the Sparks’ medical staff just before tipoff

Predicted Starting Lineup

Phoenix Mercury

• Alyssa Thomas
• Satou Sabally
• Natasha Mack
• Kahleah Copper
• Monique Akoa Makani

LA Sparks

• Dearica Hamby
• Julie Allemand
• Azura Stevens
• Rickea Jackson *
• Kelsey Plum *

Both Jackson and Plum are expected to start if they clear the screening. However, if the Sparks medical staff decides to bench them, Rae Burrell and Cameron Brink are expected to start in their place.

Phoenix Mercury vs LA Sparks: Who will claim the win?

The LA Sparks need a win more than ever and cannot afford a misstep, making them a team that will give everything on the line. Phoenix, on the other hand, will likely play cautiously, aiming to protect their roster from injury at this crucial stage, having already secured a playoff spot. On paper, the odds lean heavily against LA, as they are being outscored by an average of 8.5 points per game compared to the Mercury.

Despite the disparity in scoring, the Sparks remain competitive in key areas such as rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals, keeping pace with Phoenix in several statistical categories. However, Phoenix’s late-season surge serves as a warning. Over their last ten games, the Mercury boast an impressive .800 win percentage, while LA has managed just .500, highlighting the uphill battle the Sparks face in trying to turn the tide.

The Sparks’ 9-13 record in Western Conference play leaves them well short of a secure playoff position. Compounding the challenge, the Mercury have won four straight home games and are aiming for a fifth. Kelsey Plum leads LA with 19.7 points per game, including 2.3 three-pointers at a 35.3 percent clip. If Plum fails to clear her medical evaluation, the Sparks risk losing their offensive edge against a Mercury duo—Satou Sabally (16.2 points) and Alyssa Thomas (15.8 points)—that has been dismantling defenses all season.

History and analytics do little to boost the Sparks’ confidence. Phoenix has swept the last three head-to-head matchups, and ESPN Analytics gives the Mercury a 64.4 percent chance of winning, leaving LA with just 35.6 percent. Yet in situations where the odds stack against you, overcoming them becomes the defining trait of champions—or, in this case, teams fighting for a postseason berth.