The same Sparks squad that turned the Valkyries’ WNBA debut into a close preseason loss is all set to go up against them, once again. Must’ve been a harsh one for Stephanie Talbot, especially. To lose at the hands of a former squad she once all-rounded for. She ranked among the Sparks’ top five in assists per 36 minutes. Now, with the probability of defensive anchor Cameron Brink standing tall for L.A., Talbot and the brand-new GSV will face off against familiar faces.
The first one was only a close 82-83 win; the real victory for Sparks came with a 17-point win on 17th May against the Valkyries. It did not last long, though. Exactly a week later, on 24th May, the GSV hit back with a 9-point win. Now it’s a chance for them to even the score to 2-2, will they take it? Cameron Brink’s presence will make it hard for them. Is she going to be there, though? Let’s break it all down…
Is Cameron Brink on the injury report?
Los Angeles Sparks:
Cameron Brink: Out (Left knee ACL injury)
Rae Burrell: Out (Right knee injury)
It turns out that the Valkyries do have a chance tonight. Since Cameron Brink will not be returning anytime soon. She is still down from that ACL tear against the Connecticut Sun, which forced her to miss 25 games last season.
According to ESPN, “Head coach Lynne Roberts said Tuesday that there’s no still no timetable for Brink’s return to game action, and while she’s done “a little bit” of on-court work, she’s been limited to non-contact thus far” independent WNBA writer Justin Russo reports.
And even 6 days later, the report stands. However, don’t get too hyped yet, Dub Nation. The Sparks are riding high off a 93‑79 win over the Wings. With Dearica Hamby dominating on both ends and Rickea Jackson continuing to grow into her scoring role, LA packs plenty of power, even without Brink on the floor. And even though currently, the Valkyries are enjoying a fully healthy roster, they’re still finding the groove.
Predicted starting 5
Los Angeles Sparks:
Dearica Hamby
Azura Stevens
Rickea Jackson
Odyssey Sims
Kelsey Plum
Tonight we can expect Dearica Hamby and Azurá Stevens to anchor the frontcourt with their scoring and rebounding. Odyssey Sims might take up the the primary ball-handling duties, with Kelsey Plum adding playmaking. Rickea Jackson provides that steady two-way wing presence. While Mercedes Russell and Sarah Ashlee Barker will give them a spark off the bench.
Golden State Valkyries:
Kayla Thornton
Cecilia Zandalasini
Janelle Salaun
Temi Fagbenle
Veronica Burton
This is the roster that the Valkyries have been riding on, the one that helped them secure a strong 95-68 win against the Aces. However, that one might have been more of an Aces collapse. As their starters combined for just 9 assists and 18 turnovers. Meanwhile, Valkyries’ Kayla Thornton dominated with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 threes. And Veronica Burton dished out 12 assists while posting a game-high +40 plus-minus.
Tonight’s matchup has all the makings of a fiery redemption game. The Valkyries, healthy and hungry, are fighting to knot this series 2-2. While riding their recent wave of momentum. But don’t sleep on the veteran Sparks squad, they’re packing playoff-hardened scorers. And if ESPN’s crystal ball is accurate? The Sparks just might edge this one out in their home ground.
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