An enticing inter-conference matchup is on the cards at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday evening. 3x WNBA champions the LA Sparks will lock horns against Eastern Conference table toppers the Connecticut Sun. It will be an uphill task against Cameron Brink and Co. as they have currently lost three games on the trot. As for Connecticut, they will be riding high on confidence courtesy of consecutive wins from their previous three encounters.

Will Cameron Brink and the LA Sparks manage to break their losing streak against the formidable Connecticut Sun? Anyhow, who are the players the fans can expect to take the court? Let’s have a look!

Injury status in the Connecticut and LA Camps

As for the Sparks, they are currently without the services of their power forward/ center  Azurá Stevens. The 28-year-old has been out of action even before the start of the season due to an injury in her left arm. The unfortunate turn of events transpired when she was participating in a professional league in China in the off-season period. However, in March 2024, the franchise announced that the veteran underwent a successful surgery and will be a part of the locker room soon enough. Her reevaluation will soon be taking place and the fans can expect her return from mid- to late-June.

A similar story is there with the home team with their one player missing out tomorrow. Point guard Moriah Jefferson will be sidelined for tomorrow’s game as a right ankle injury puts a question mark on her participation. The talented No.4 could only spend 4 minutes on the hardwood in Connecticut’s June 12 encounter against the Sky. Since then there has been no official word regarding her playing status. However, some sources predict she might make a comeback in the Sun’s road game against back-to-back champions the Las Vegas Aces.

In the meantime, it is also worth a look as to which team has the upper hand.

What are the chances for the Sparks against Connecticut?

According to the ESPN Matchup Predictor, the Sun has a 77.2 % of being on the winning side. This is because they are collectively as a team scoring 81.1 points per contest. In addition to this, all their starters are averaging in double digits out of which DeWanna Bonner is leading the charts with 17.6 points. At the same time, Alyssa Thomas is their best rebounder (10 rebounds per game) and an assist master in the team (8.2 assists per game). Their probable starting line-up will include DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, Tyasha Harris, and DiJonai Carrington.

On the other hand, the visitors rely heavily on the contributions of their “solidified vet” Dearica Hamby. Despite losing three consecutive games, the No.5 has been their top performer in points, rebounds, and assists. Currently, she is managing a double-double average of 19 points and 11.1 rebounds while dishing out 3.2 assists per game. Moreover, she is shooting her field goals with an efficiency of 51.8%. The expected starting 5 can be Dearica Hamby, rookies Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, Layshia Clarendon, and Kia Nurse.

There is no denying that a 22.8% probability correctly justifies the potential of LA Sparks. They have shown earlier in the competition that they have what it takes to defy all odds. Will they be able to pull off an upset? Only time will tell.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!