Sun vs. Sparks Prediction
The Sun’s defense is always the main character, so let’s back another under as they take on a sputtering Sparks team with little to play for at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Los Angeles is pretty much wrapped for the season and now can set its sights on the future, which includes a lot of young talent like Rickea Jackson.
Jackson has been playing better lately and should be able to clear this total.
Sun vs. Sparks Picks: Rickea Jackson Over 18.5 Points and Rebounds | Under 159
Sun vs. Sparks Odds
| Sun Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-10.5 -105 | 158.5 -115 / -105 | -550 |
| Sparks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+10.5 -115 | 158.5 -115 / -105 | +400 |
Connecticut Sun: Offensive Woes an Issue
In Sunday’s game, the Sun’s offensive struggles continued. In fact, the Sparks were even up by six at the half before falling apart in the fourth quarter.
By the end, Connecticut proved it's the better team in this matchup as it was able to cover the 11-point spread.
Nevertheless, the Sun tend to score by committee, with six players averaging double digits this season. They sit at seventh in points per 100 possessions and last in possessions per 40 minutes.
They're prone to scoring droughts and losing their rhythm, so they can be a tough team to count on to win by double digits (even against an eliminated Sparks team).
Instead, I’ll be backing their tried and true defense that loves to throw a wrench in other team’s plans.
I’ll take under 159 on the total.
Los Angeles Sparks: Jackson's Time to Shine
Los Angeles is sitting comfortably in last place in the league (7-28) and is the only team officially eliminated from playoff contention. It's last in points per 100 possessions and second-to-last in effective field goal percentage.
While the Sparks' defense isn’t much better, they're led by head coach Curt Miller, who's the former head coach of the Sun. He knows their strengths and weaknesses better than anyone, so this lends itself to an under bet.
The Sun have the size and length advantage in this matchup, so I’ll look to a Sparks player with skill, speed and efficiency. Jackson’s versatility presents a unique challenge for the Sun, as she can score on all three levels, create turnovers and chase down boards.
In the Sparks’ loss to the Sun on Sunday, Jackson led L.A. in scoring with 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting, getting most of her buckets in the paint.
Jackson is the Sparks’ second-leading scorer this season, averaging 12.8 points per game on the season (16.1 PPG in her last 10 games).
She's gone over 18.5 points and rebounds in seven of her last 10 games, so I’m on Jackson over 18.5 points + rebounds.
Sun vs. Sparks: Prop + Under
Betting Pick & Prediction
Sun vs. Sparks Picks:
- Rickea Jackson Over 18.5 Points and Rebounds
- Under 159
