The Los Angeles Sparks (7-26) battle the Chicago Sky (11-22) on Friday, September 6. The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on ION and concludes a four-game slate.
Check out below for a preview and best bet for this Sparks vs. Sky matchup.
Sparks vs. Sky Prediction
I am taking the Sky to win this game by anywhere from 1-to-10 points. It's essentially a bet that Chicago wins a non-blowout at about a 39% implied probability.
Sparks vs. Sky Pick: Sky Win Margin 1-10 Points (+155 FanDuel)
Sparks vs. Sky Odds
| Sparks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -112 | 163.5 -112o / -108u | +194 |
| Sky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -108 | 163.5 -112o / -108u | -245 |
Los Angeles Sparks: Looking Towards Next Year
It has been an excruciating year for Los Angeles.
February saw franchise legend and MVP candidate Nneka Ogwumike sign with Seattle, while All-Defensive first-team guard Jordin Canada was traded to Atlanta. To make matters worse, promising rookie Cameron Brink tore her ACL in June.
These events help explain Los Angeles’ league-worst 7-26 record and why they are the sole team that sits bottom three in both offensive and defensive ratings. The wheels fell off recently. Over their past 10 games, the Sparks own just one win and have been outscored by 11.4 points per 100 possessions.
On the bright side, this level of losing will set them up with a premium pick in the 2025 Draft, which is headlined by UConn superstar Paige Bueckers. Such hope offers no advantage for them in this matchup against the Sky though.
Finally, it’s likely that the short-handed Sparks will be without Layshia Clarendon and Lexie Brown again.
Chicago Sky: Playoffs A Possibility?
The Sky have won only 33% of games this season, yet they are currently tied with Atlanta for the last playoff spot. These final seven games will determine whether Chicago makes or misses the tournament, so expect extra motivation and hustle from them.
Chennedy Carter’s status must be monitored. She has missed the past four games due to illness but reportedly logged a full practice on Thursday per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune. It’s unclear if Carter will make her return against Los Angeles, but this news inspires optimism.
Chicago scored an abysmal 74 points per game during her four-game absence, so the offense desperately needs their top scorer back. For context, Atlanta possesses the worst offense in the W this season at 75.8 points per game.
Sparks vs. Sky: Sky's The Limit
Betting Pick & Prediction
Chicago’s inefficient, sluggish offense does not create explosive outbursts. Instead, the Sky drag opponents into the mud and grinds out hard-fought victories, not blowouts. The results agree, as 10-of-11 wins have fallen into this margin.
This matchup should be no different. The Sparks and Sky rank 10th and 12th, respectively, in half-court points per possession. Both teams struggle to knock down triples at a decent rate, and they consistently turn the ball over. Essentially, it’s unlikely that offensive excellence will be achieved, thus keeping the game close and reducing blowout potential.
Look for the Sky to pull ahead by the final buzzer though.
First, their motivation to win is far greater than a Sparks squad that has nothing to play for. A playoff spot is on the line, and I expect Chicago to come out with playoff intensity.
Second, Los Angeles’ interior defense and defensive rebounding need plenty of work. That doesn’t bode well against a Chicago offense that relentlessly attacks the basket and glass. The Sky subsequently possess more upside here because their shot quality should be greater.
This bet is under the “Popular” tab and in the “Win Margin” category on FanDuel.
Sparks vs. Sky Pick: Chicago Sky Win Margin 1-10 Points (+155 FanDuel)
Los Angeles Sparks Betting Trends
- Sparks are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
- Sparks are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
- Sparks are 11-6 in their road games against the spread.
- The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Sparks' last 5 games.
- The totals have gone OVER in 8 of Sparks' 16 last games at home.
Chicago Sky Betting Trends
- Sky are 0-5 in their last 5 games.
- Sky are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
- Sky are 9-8 in their road games against the spread.
- The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Sky' last 5 games.
- The totals have gone OVER in 6 of Sky' 16 last games at home.
