WNBA: Sparks in a must-win situation towards the Liberty

With the WNBA common season reaching its ultimate days, the playoff image is turning into clearer. Nonetheless, positioning between seeds 5 by way of eight continues to be very a lot up within the air, and the eighth and ultimate participant nonetheless is undecided. We all know will probably be both the Chicago Sky or Los Angeles Sparks. Chicago at present has the spot due to the head-to-head tiebreaker. However with two video games to go, the race for eight is way from over.

On Wednesday, only one recreation was on the schedule, with the Atlanta Dream internet hosting the Seattle Storm. By successful the sport 79-68, the Dream formally clinched a playoff berth.

Atlanta performed as much as their full potential, with 4 gamers in double digits. Monique Billings put up a season-high 15 factors together with 14 rebounds within the victory. The opening quarter was rocky for Atlanta, however a 14-4 run to finish the primary half gave the Dream the benefit on the break and so they by no means appeared again.

The win was a end result of what head coach Tanisha Wright and the Dream group have been working towards since she took over the staff earlier than final season. Atlanta shall be taking part in postseason basketball for the primary time since 2018.

“Making it to the playoffs is just not a simple factor to do on this league,” Cheyenne Parker mentioned post game. “So, to have the ability to do it with this group is particular and necessary to me. I am actually excited for the journey.”

Los Angeles Sparks (16-22) vs. New York Liberty (31-7)

Thursday’s one recreation is an enormous one, as Los Angeles fights for his or her playoff lives towards the New York Liberty within the Massive Apple.

The Sparks seemingly must win their subsequent two video games to actually have a probability of creating the playoffs. They at present are tied with the Sky with a 16-22 file, however, with Chicago holding the tiebreaker, LA wants to complete with a greater file to leap into the eighth seed.

Successful their penultimate recreation is trying dire for Los Angeles. Not solely is their opponent the Liberty, who’ve gained seven straight and 9 of their final 10 video games, however the damage report additionally lists All-Star Nneka Ogwumike and starter Karlie Samuelson as questionable. If each gamers miss Thursday’s recreation, it is exhausting to think about them beating the Liberty on the highway.

If LA loses, they aren’t out of the playoff race, however would wish Chicago to lose upcoming video games towards the Minnesota Lynx on Friday and the Connecticut Solar on Sunday. The Sparks then must win their ultimate recreation towards the Storm.

Everybody appears to be obtainable for New York, together with Sabrina Ionescu, who has been questionable as of late with a calf damage. With the No. 2 seed secured, the Liberty have the luxurious of resting gamers, in the event that they want.

Recreation data

Los Angeles Sparks (16-22) vs. New York Liberty (31-7)

When: Thursday, Sep. 7 at 7 p.m. ET

The place: Barclay’s Middle in Brooklyn, NY

Tips on how to watch: Prime Video

Sparks damage report: Nneka Ogwumike (questionable; knee), Karlie Samuelson (questionable; stomach), Chiney Ogwumike (out; foot), Lexie Brown (out; non-COVID sickness), Nia Clouden(out; knee), Katie Lou Samuelson (out; maternity depart)

Liberty damage report: No accidents to report