Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WNBA match.
Despite only two wins separating the Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm in the Western Conference standings, there is a clear favourite for this match-up. Confidence in the visitors remains high.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks have won just four of their 12 games this season, with all of those victories coming against teams currently in the league’s bottom seven. Defence remains the squad’s biggest concern — they are ranked 10th in the league in points allowed, conceding an average of 86 per game. Injuries are also taking a heavy toll. Odyssey Sims and Kelsey Plum, both regular starters, are ruled out, costing the team a combined 31.4 points and 9.1 assists per game.
Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm continue to chase consistency, but their quality is not in question. They recently handed the Minnesota Lynx their only defeat of the season (94:84), having previously eased past the Phoenix Mercury (89:77). Their team-oriented offence is producing results. Four players are averaging double figures for points, with Skylar Diggins-Smith contributing 18.1 points and nearly six assists per game.
Los Angeles Sparks vs Seattle Storm Prediction
The Los Angeles Sparks have only beaten teams from the bottom end of the standings. The Seattle Storm are a different proposition entirely — currently sitting in the top three of the Western Conference and pushing hard to overtake the Phoenix Mercury. They are unlikely to let this chance slip away.
