Sparks-Wings Game Notes

By John R. Posey, USN

The Los Angeles Sparks (4-2) travel to Arlington to take on the Dallas Wings (3-5) tonight in a Western Conference match-up. The Sparks are in third place and on a two-game winning streak. The Wings are in fifth place and have a four- game losing streak.

The high-scoring Sparks average 84.9 points a game and are led by Nneka Ogwumike (21.2 ppg) and Candace Parker (15 ppg).

The Wings can match the Sparks from an offensive point of view (83.8 ppg), but give up 85.4 points each outing. The interior defense will improve once Ariel Powers (hip) and Courtney Paris (meniscus) return from injury. The Sparks have four players who average double figures: Skylar Diggins-Smith (15.8); Karima Christmas-Kelly (12.5); Allisha Gray (12.5); and Glory Johnson (11.8). Gray was named WNBA Rookie of the Month in May.

The game features the return of former Wings Guard, Odyssey Sims. Now in her third season, Sims was traded to the Sparks in the off season. Sims has deep roots in the D/FW area and is a Texas legend after stellar careers at Irving MacArthur HS and Baylor. Sims is in the top 10 in scoring in NCAA history and led Baylor to a national title.

Sims is off to a slow start this season (10 ppg) due to an ankle injury, but had a solid showing (seven-points) against the Chicago Sky Tuesday.

Sparks-Wings Probable Starters

Los Angeles Sparks

Essence Carson, 17, Forward

Alana Beard, 0, Guard

Nneka Ogwumike, 30, Forward

Chelsea Gray, 12, Guard

Candace Parker, 3, Forward

Dallas Wings

Karima Christmas-Kelly,13, Forward

Glory Johnson, 25, Forward

Theresa Plaisance, 55, Center

Allisha Gray, 12, Guard

Photo Credit: Urban Sports News .