How to watch Sparks at Mercury: Los Angeles tries to stay alive for final playoff spot

The Phoenix Mercury, comfortably ensconced in the top half of the WNBA standings, play methodical ball anchored around their defense. The Los Angeles Sparks, frantically chasing the final playoff spot, have the league’s fastest pace and regularly overheat both ends of the scoreboard. It’s a late-season clash of styles, stakes and the preferred way to wear purple.

How to watch Los Angeles Sparks at Phoenix Mercury

Venue: PHX Arena — Phoenix
Time: 10 p.m. ET, Tuesday
TV: NBA TV and WNBA League Pass (national) | Arizona’s Family Sports and Merc+ (local)
Streaming: Fubo (Stream Free Now!)
Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.

Offense across the W is evolved and skilled as ever, yet Phoenix has put up its best defensive rating since DeWanna Bonner’s first stint with the Mercury. This year’s group is tied for third in the league in opposing field goal percentage at 42.5 percent, and Bonner has provided a defensive steadiness with the second unit. Alyssa Thomas is third in individual defensive win shares. Natasha Mack is fourth in blocked shots per game. Satou Sabally looks comfortable both in front of the rim and pulled out into space.

The Mercury’s guests counter with fearlessness in transition. The indefatigable Kelsey Plum can put her head down and get a layup deep into the fourth quarter. Azura Stevens (39.8 percent on 3s) and Rickea Jackson (35 percent) each let it fly without hesitation. Dearica Hamby runs the floor with a fleetness that belies her 6-foot-3 frame. Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell boost the energy off the bench.

Los Angeles’ issue lies on the other end, conspicuous as its bright yellow jerseys. The team struggles to get stops, and has allowed at least 85 points in three of its first four September games. Last week’s comeback in Seattle was inspired, but the Sparks’ four other most recent wins came against the young Washington Mystics and the hapless Dallas Wings (three times since Aug. 15). They’ve struggled against more polished opponents, typified by last Friday’s 19-point loss to the Atlanta Dream.

With an upset road win here, the Sparks would keep their narrow postseason possibilities afloat. L.A. is chasing Seattle for the No. 8 seed, and needs to win out for a chance of cracking the bracket. Fourth-seeded Phoenix trails both Atlanta and the Las Vegas Aces by one game. They’ll host a first-round draw either way, but Thomas and Bonner are established veterans who know the importance of a clean playoff path.

Played for both teams: Jennifer Gillom starred for Cheryl Miller’s inaugural 1997 Mercury team, and she earned All-WNBA honors in the league’s first two seasons. Gillom retired as a Spark, coming off the bench for them in 2003.

Sparks at Mercury odds

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(Photo of Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)