The Game

What a game this should be!

It’s always fun to play the Sparks, especially at home, but this game has the added significance of being Whalen day. Before the game, the Lynx will raise Lindsay Whalen’s jersey to the rafters. Then, they will hope to give Whalen the best gift they can—a win over the Sparks.

The Sparks have had an up and down start to the season. They are dealing with early-season injuries to Candace Parker and Alana Beard and have a record of 2-2. The game on Saturday is the third in a four-game early-season road trip for the Sparks. They beat the Liberty on Tuesday before losing in Connecticut on Thursday.

Neither the Lynx nor the Sparks are high-scoring teams this season. The Lynx average 73.2 points per game while the Sparks average 75.5. However, the Lynx are the better defensive team and have a better net rating on the season than the Sparks do. Figuring out of to break down Los Angeles’ defense will be a key factor tonight. Scoring 58 points like Minnesota did against Phoenix on Thursday is not going to cut it.

Another note: fans are being encouraged to be in their seats by 1:45 in order to see Whalen’s jersey retirement ceremony. If you’re going to the game, get there early. 

What: Lynx vs. Sparks
When:  2:30 p.m.
Where: Target Center
Watch: ABC
Tickets 

Sister Act

Arguably the most important factor in beating the Sparks is to limit the duo of Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike. The two sisters were reunited in Los Angeles this summer and form one of the best frontcourt tandems in the league. While playing up a position due to Parker’s injury, they are still extremely dangerous on both ends of the ball.

Damiris Dantas and Sylvia Fowles actually match up with the Ogwumikes fairly well. Fowles’ height and length and Dantas’ size and strength give the Lynx more than a fighting chance to win the frontcourt matchup.

Odyssey’s Revenge

While Odyssey Sims might not hold any hard feelings against her former team, she still won’t pass up the opportunity to show them up. It would be somewhat poetic if Sims plays a big role in beating the Sparks on the day Whalen’s jersey is retired. The two had a fierce rivalry when Whalen was playing and played many memorable head-to-head matchups.

Now, though, they are on the same side. Sims has emerged early in the season as probably the most reliable go-to scorer and shot creator on the team. She has also demonstrated incredible passing acumen, setting her teammates up in position to succeed.

On Saturday, Sims needs to channel her emotions and intensity and continue the heady, skillful play she’s demonstrated so far this season.

Injury Report:

Lynx: Seimone Augustus (knee) and Karima Christmas-Kelly (personal) are out.
Sparks: Candace Parker (knee), Alana Beard (leg) and Maria Vadeeva (personal) are out.

Probably Starters: 

Lynx: PG—Robinson, SG—Sims, SF—Collier, PF—Dantas, C—Fowles
Sparks: PG—Ruffin-Pratt, SG—Gray, SF—Wiese, PF—N. Ogwumike, C—C. Ogwumike