Sparks Host Mercury in Pre-Break Showdown Amidst Injury Absences and Streaks
With leading scorer Kelsey Plum sidelined, Nneka Ogwumike carries offensive load for the Sparks, while Phoenix looks to build momentum from a recent defensive victory over Connecticut.
The Phoenix Mercury travel to the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, for a WNBA fixture that serves as the final contest for both franchises before the commencement of the All-Star break. The match, scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET tip time, represents a rare midweek matinee in the league calendar, offering a final opportunity for teams to adjust their standing before the mid-season hiatus.
Los Angeles enters the contest tenth in the standings with a 10-15 record, hosting the thirteenth-placed Phoenix Mercury, who hold a 9-18 record. The Sparks are aiming to maintain their undefeated record against Phoenix in the season series, having secured victories in both previous encounters. These prior meetings saw Los Angeles average 104.0 points, including one contest that required overtime.
The Sparks’ offensive strategy faces significant constraints with leading scorer Kelsey Plum ruled out due to injury. Plum, who averages 23.9 points per game, was present for the team’s two wins against Phoenix earlier in the season. In her absence, forward Nneka Ogwumike has assumed the primary scoring role, entering the match in strong form with a season-high-tying three consecutive double-doubles. Ogwumike has averaged 19.3 points and 11.3 rebounds in this span and recently surpassed Lisa Leslie to become the all-time leading scorer in Sparks history.
Phoenix seeks to build on a recent home victory over Connecticut, a team currently ranked as the lowest in the league. In that 72-63 win, the Mercury recorded their fewest points allowed since August 2025 and forced 21 turnovers. Veteran DeWanna Bonner led the effort with 21 points and set a franchise record for total rebounds, surpassing Brittney Griner with 2,323 boards. Bonner is now four rebounds away from fifth place in WNBA history.
Despite the recent win, Phoenix’s offensive efficiency remains a concern, having shot just 41 per cent from the field and 2-for-25 from three-point range in the Connecticut game. The Mercury enter the Wednesday fixture on a 2-5 straight-up road run. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has won its past two home games, reaching triple-digit points in both, and will play before a sellout crowd for the annual Kids’ Day event.
