The Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA play three important home games within the next week starting tonight (Thursday) when they battle Seattle at Staples Center at 7:30 p.m. The 4-1 Sparks are currently in second place in the 12-team WNBA league and Seattle is in third place with a record of 5-2. Both teams have a combination of veteran and younger players that give them the best opportunity to create good winning chemistry.

The Sparks have two of the best players in the WNBA in Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike. Those two players give Los Angeles veteran leadership. Chelsea Gray, who led to WNBA in 3-point percentage (48%) in 2017, is slowing becoming a star in the WNBA. She moves really well without the ball and creates her own shot and that helps open up the court for her teammates.

Odyssey Sims and Riquna Williams bring toughness to the Sparks back court and with the addition of guard Cappie Pondexter, a 12 year WNBA veteran, their back court rotation is solid. Essence Carson, who can play forward or guard can help out the front court or back court. Now that center Jantel Lavender is back from playing overseas the front court is also very strong.

The Seattle Storm will create their own set of problems for the Sparks. Sue Bird, a 15 year veteran is one of the smartest players in the league and they have maybe the best young player in the league in Breanna Stewart. The game will also mark the Los Angeles debut of former UCLA star Jordin Canada who grew up in Los Angeles.

The Sparks will continue their home stand on Sunday when they take on Chicago at 2 p.m. and Tuesday they play Atlanta at 7:30 p.m. Atlanta features another former UCLA star rookie, Monique Billings who also grew up in the Southern California area.