The LA Sparks will travel to Nevada on Wednesday as they face the Las Vegas Aces in the Commissioner's Cup at the Michelob Ultra Arena. This is their second meeting of the season, with the previous game ending in a 96-81 win for the Aces.
The two teams face each other after playing the Golden State Valkyries in their previous game. The Sparks hosted the Valkyries at home on Monday and lost 89-81 in overtime. Meanwhile, the Aces were blown out by Golden State, losing 95-68 on Saturday at the Chase Center.
Although losing to the same opposition in the space of a few days, the two teams have endured contrasting seasons. The Sparks (3-7) have been struggling for form this term, as they are 10th in the regular season standings.
Beginning their season with a win, they followed that victory with three straight losses before securing a win against the Chicago Sky. This was followed by three more losses, with their latest win coming against the Dallas Wings on Friday.
Alternatively, the Las Vegas Aces (4-3) have played three fewer games than the Sparks, but sit fifth in the standings. They started their season with a loss to the Liberty but made a quick turnaround with two wins against the Connecticut Sun and the Washington Mystics.
However, they then lost to the Storm in their next game before following that up with wins against the Sparks and the Storm. This positive run ended against the Valkyries, as the Aces failed to extend their winning streak.
Despite their contrasting fortunes in the league, the two teams share a similar fate in the Commissioner's Cup standings. The Aces (1-1) are fifth in the rankings, while the Sparks (1-2) are one place below them in sixth.
LA Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces: Injury report
LA Sparks injury report
The LA Sparks will miss Cameron Brink (ACL) and Rae Burrell (leg) due to their respective injuries, while Julie Allemand leaves the Sparks to join the Belgian national team camp for the FIBA EuroBasket tournament.
Las Vegas Aces injury report
Alternatively, the Aces will be without Megan Gustafson (leg) and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus for their game against the Sparks.
LA Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces: Starting lineups and depth chart
LA Sparks predicted starting lineup and depth charts
The LA Sparks starting five should feature Kelsey Plum, Odyssey Sims, Azura Stevens, Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson for their game on Wednesday.
Las Vegas Aces starting lineup and depth chart
The Las Vegas Aces will feature a similar lineup to their last game. Chelsea Gray and Jewell Lloyd as the guards, Jackie Young and Kia Stokes as the forwards, while A'ja Wilson will feature as the center.