The Game

Nothing like returning back to action from the All-Star break with a gauntlet that includes the Sparks in Los Angeles on Thursday night, the Storm in Seattle on Friday night and the Dream at home on Sunday night.

Those are the fourth, first and second-ranked teams, respectively, in the standings. The Lynx are No. 3.

This is the most-important stretch of the season for the Lynx, a team that is hoping to earn a two-round bye in the playoffs.

The Lynx are 15-10 while the Sparks are 15-11.

Minnesota is 1-2 against Los Angeles this season. This is the last matchup of the season between the two rivals and with how tight the WNBA is this season (the difference between second place and eighth place is two games), this has severe playoff implications.

This game will probably a bit chippy considering there’s no bigger rivalry in the WNBA.

What: Lynx at Sparks
When: Thursday, August 2, 9 p.m. CT
Where: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA
Watch: ESPN2
Listen: Bob 106.1 FM

Fowles’ Career Year

Sylvia Fowles is 32 years old. For most players, that’s when the decline starts.

That’s quite humorous for the 2017 MVP. Fowles is averaging 17.1 points and a career-high 11.7 rebounds per game. No other player in the WNBA averages double-digits in rebounds.

Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota Lynx:
“It’s about doing the little things to help your team get over the hump. I don’t know what that means for every team, but I know what it means for us – rebounds, assists, deflections… Whatever it takes, that’s what it’s going to take…"

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 31, 2018

She was incredible in Minnesota’s win over the Sparks on July 5, finishing with 27 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.

In Minnesota’s two losses to Los Angeles, Fowles averaged 14.5 points and 10 rebounds. Obviously great numbers, still, but not what Fowles would call great. The Lynx will need Fowles to score in this one.

Sparks = Lukewarm Of Late

While the Lynx are hot, winning three-straight games, the Sparks have just been so-so as of late, dropping three of their last five games and two of their three. What’s more concerning is that those three losses have all been at home.

Maybe the Sparks don’t want homecourt advantage in the playoffs.

Projected Starting Lineups

Lynx: PG – Whalen, SG – Augustus, SF – Moore, PF – Brunson, C – Fowles

Sparks: PG – Gray, SG – Sims, SF – Beard, PF – Ogwumike, C – Parker

Injury Report

Lynx: No injuries to report

Sparks: Alana Beard (groin) and Nneka Ogwumike (illness) are questionable.