Los Angeles Sparks vs Connecticut Sun
The Sun hosts the Sparks this evening in Bean Town. Who will win on the big stage?
Sparks Preview
The Los Angeles Sparks have been on the struggle bus this year. LA is riding a four-game losing streak and currently has a record of 6-21.
This evening will be the leg of a four-game road trip for the Sparks. Last time out they fell in Las Vegas by a score of 87-71. Rookie Rickea Jackson led the Sparks in scoring with 15 points on an efficient shooting performance going seven for eleven from the field.
Jackson, the number four overall pick from this year’s draft, has scored in double digits in five straight games.
78.5 points per game
42.1% field goal percentage
32.8% three-point field goal percentage
7.4 three-pointers made per game
16.1 turnovers per game
86.3 points allowed per game
46.4% opponent’s field goal percentage
37.9% opponent’s three-point field goal percentage
8.4 three-point makes allowed per game
13.5 turnovers forced per game
Sun Preview
The Connecticut Sun is having a successful year, currently sitting in the number two spot in the WNBA standings.
Last time out they ran into a suddenly hot Atlanta Dream team falling by the score of 82-70. Offensively it was a real struggle for the Sun, only shooting 35.4% from the field. Alyssa Thomas led the Sun with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Connecticut should be able to get back on track offensively tonight against a porous Spark’s defense.
80.5 points per game
44% field goal percentage
32.2% three-point field goal percentage
5.7 three-pointers made per game
13.3 turnovers per game
74 points allowed per game
43.6% opponent's field goal percentage
31.6% opponent's three-point field goal percentage
6.3 three-point makes allowed per game
16.5 turnovers forced per game
The Daves Daily Picks Prediction
At the time of writing the Sun is favored by 12.5 points and the total is set at 154. I do not trust the Sparks to cover but I also don’t want to lay 12.5 points on a neutral site.
Let’s look at some trends:
Both teams are 12-14 to the over this year
Both teams are 4-1 to the over L5
Over is 4-1-1 in Sparks last 6 games following a ATS win
Over is 4-1 in Sparks last 5 vs. Eastern Conference
Over is 7-2 in Sun last 9 games following a straight-up loss.
Over is 8-3 in Sun last 11 games playing on 1 days rest.
Sun has scored 83.4 points per game L5
Sun has allowed 79 points per game L5
Sparks has scored 78 points per game L5
Sparks have allowed 89 points per game L5
154 just seems too low, there are plenty of trends to support a play on the over.
Official Pick Over 154
I expect this number to run overnight but I think up to 160 should be safe. Both these teams have been trending towards the over, both have gone 4-1 to the over their last five.
In addition, with this Sun’s offense coming alive lately scoring an average of 83.4 points a game L5 against a poor Sparks defense allowing 89 points per game L5, there should be plenty of points scored.
This game should be fun to watch! Remember to gamble responsibly.
