Sparks’ Cameron Brink gets major health update that could affect WNBA playoff picture

The Los Angeles Sparks’ recent momentum has seen them swiftly rise up the WNBA standings in pursuit of their first playoff berth since 2020. After a 6-14 start, the Sparks have won nine of their past 12 games, with immense contributions from Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson key to LA’s revival under head coach Lynne Roberts.

The return of Cameron Brink after a 13-month absence also has provided a jolt of energy to the Sparks’ frontcourt. Brink’s season debut on July 29 was the culmination of an arduous year of recovery from a left ACL tear; since her return seven games ago, Brink is re-establishing herself as a premier shot-blocker, and she is taking — and making — more 3-pointers than in her rookie season.

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But Brink’s body again threatened to hold her back during a 105-97 loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday. Brink played only five minutes after she tweaked her left ankle, and Roberts opted not to insert her back into the game.

In a positive development though, Brink practiced normally with her teammates on Thursday, in advance of the Sparks’ visit to Dallas to square off with the Wings on Friday night.

Cameron Brink is practicing this morning with the Sparks.

She was getting her left ankle taped up before halftime on Tuesday against the Liberty, after which she didn’t return to action. Looks fine today. @latimessports

— Ira Gorawara (@IraGorawara) August 14, 2025

As Brink is still on a minutes restriction, Roberts did not want to take risks with last year’s second overall pick. But Brink seems likely to play on Friday as the postseason chase continues.

The Sparks (15-17) are only a half-game behind the slumping Seattle Storm (16-17) for the final WNBA playoff spot. Between Friday and the end of the season, Los Angeles will face Dallas (9-24) three times, which could prove decisive in the race for the final playoff spots; just 2.5 games separate the ninth-place Sparks from the sixth-place Indiana Fever.

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