With the Sparks officially eliminated from postseason contention, they won’t have much to play for against the Aces on Thursday other than pride.
For Las Vegas, this game still matters since a win over Los Angeles would secure the No. 2 seed for the Aces. Perhaps the prospect of spoiling Las Vegas’ ability to reach the No. 2 spot is motivation enough for Los Angeles to get up for this game.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream
When: Sep. 11, 7 p.m. PT
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
Even if the Sparks had a lot to play for, beating the Aces was always going to be tough. Las Vegas has won 15 straight games and is playing the best basketball in the WNBA.
A’ja Wilson is a big reason why. She’s playing at an MVP level and has been unstoppable during this run. Even before this current win streak, she’s been as dominant as ever. The last time the Sparks played against the Aces, Las Vegas won and Wilson scored 34 points.
Slowing Wilson down is always an arduous task, but with the Sparks being a bad defensive team, she could end up destroying L.A. and finishing her regular season with one of her best games of 2025.
The tricky part for the Sparks is that they might be playing with less than their complete roster. Los Angeles has nothing to compete for in this game and it’s the final one of the year.
Considering that most of their starting lineup has been logging 30-plus minutes for months now, it would make sense to finally give them some rest in this last game.
If the Sparks do go with that option, then young players like rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker and Sania Feagin will have a chance to show what they can do.
Additionally, some bench players may get a chance to see the starting lineup. Cameron Brink has been great since she’s returned from injury and Julie Vanloo and Alissa Pili would certainly love a chance to play extended minutes.
If the Sparks do play this game with essentially everyone available, as they did on Tuesday, then it’ll be one last chance to evaluate this roster and see how it performs against one of the best teams in the WNBA.
Notes and Updates
- On the Sparks injury report, Rickea Jackson (right lower leg) and Julie Allemand (left ankle) are both listed as questionable.
- For the Aces, only Kierstan Bell (lower right leg)is listed as out.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
