Things are about to get intense for the Los Angeles Sparks as they are about to go down against the Minnesota Lynx for the third time. The Lynx have been one of the best teams in the league, ranking at #1 in the Western Conference Division with 15 wins and 6 losses. However, it is quite the opposite for Rickea Jackson’s LA Sparks as they are standing at #5 with only 5 wins and 16 losses so far.

So, let’s weigh both sides as they go against each other again, with stakes mostly in favor of the Lynx, given their two victories over the Sparks.

Injury updates and starting 5 for Los Angeles and Minnesota

For the upcoming game, Minnesota’s key player Napheesa Collier is unlikely to play as she injured her foot (plantar fasciitis) last week when they played against Connecticut. Collier is marked questionable for the game against the Sparks. Probably, it’s best for her to get the time to rest and recover from until the Olympic break arrives. Additionally, #0 guard Olivia Epoupa is also out because of a left thigh injury.

As for the Sparks, things are going forward with a 50-50 ratio as they recently had their veteran Stephanie Talbot sitting out because of a left foot injury. As it turns out, she left the game at the end of the first quarter in yesterday’s game against Phoenix. Hence, this has left more to endure for Kia Nurse and Azura Stevens.

Further, last month Lexie Brown joined rookie Cameron Brink as she too has been ruled out for the season due to Crohn’s Disease.

Talking about the starting 5, Minnesota’s expected lineup includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, and Dorka Juhasz. For Los Angeles, it will be Kia Nurse, Aari McDonald, Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, and Azura Stevens. So, can the Sparks still make this one count?

Perhaps the third time’s a charm for Rickea Jackson and the Sparks?

Since Cameron Brink’s injury, Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson and other teammates have stepped up fabulously in their roles, especially, Dearica Hamby, who is playing her 9th season in the league. She has emerged as the team’s leading scorer with 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Moreover, Hamby has recorded 13 double-doubles this season while scoring in double digits in almost every game. On the other hand, Rickea Jackson, although a rookie, scored a career-high 22 points in yesterday’s 84-78 loss against Phoenix. She has been averaging 10.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

However, as per the ESPN matchup predictor, the chances of the Lynx bagging the victory stand at 68.2% while for the Sparks, it stands at 31.8%. So, will Sparks be able to overturn this prediction? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.