Sparks see ‘opportunity’ against Napheesa Collier and the Lynx

The Los Angeles Sparks are preparing to face the first-place Minnesota Lynx on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena, with coach Lynne Roberts calling it a "huge opportunity" to secure a statement home victory against the league leaders. Roberts noted the team is improving, citing recent road wins against the Indiana Fever that split their last four games.

Key to the Sparks' progress is the return of several players, including starting point guard Julie Allemand (who missed time for EuroBasket), newly signed reserve Julie Vanloo, and guard/forward Rae Burrell—all recently integrated after injuries or roster changes. Roberts emphasized this brings the roster closer to preseason expectations, though the Sparks hold a 6-13 record and sit 10th in the standings.

Historically, the Sparks have struggled against the Lynx this season, losing all three previous matchups by significant margins: 89-75 at home on May 18, 101-78 on the road on June 14, and 82-66 on June 21. Forward Azurá Stevens stressed the need to "exceed their physicality" in the upcoming game.

Stevens also praised teammate Kelsey Plum, who led the Sparks with 15 points in their last loss to Minnesota and was recently named an All-Star reserve for the fourth consecutive year. Highlighting Plum’s leadership and work ethic, Stevens expressed pride in her recognition while averaging team-highs of 20.1 points and 5.6 assists.