Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm look to extend their winning streaks as both teams clash this Tuesday afternoon, July 16, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena.
After dropping two consecutive home games, the Sparks bounced back in a big way on Saturday with an 87-81 road win against the Dallas Wings.
Forward Dearica Hamby unleashed a 27-point explosion while rookie Rickea Jackson added a career-high 23 points to help the Sparks snap its two-game losing skid.
Both teams have faced one another this season with the Storm coming up on top 95-79. But with three games between these two teams, the Sparks have a chance to right the wrong and tie the season series.
Can the Sparks do it in front of their home fans or will the Storm continue its dominant run? That remains to be seen but this is how the current Los Angeles Sparks vs Seattle Storm betting lines stand.
Los Angeles Sparks Injury Report
Seattle Storm Injury Report
The Los Angeles Sparks opened as 6.5 underdogs across multiple bookies but the line has increased to +9.5 as of press time. Some might say the line should even be wider especially since the Sparks are taking on a Seattle Storm squad that dealt them a 16-point beatdown the last time they faced.
Even if their last victory against the Storm was in the preseason, the Sparks have enough firepower to frustrate the high-octane Seattle offense, which ranks third in the league.
The 33-year old Diggins-Smith left the game late in the first half against the Atlanta Dream after a collision with Allisha Gray and did not return.
It can be recalled that Diggins-Smith was among Seattle’s main offensive producers in their last matchup against the Sparks, recording 19 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
With Diggins-Smith likely out of commission, the Sparks will have one less woman to worry about.
However, for the Sparks to do so, forward and team leading scorer Dearica Hamby will need every help she can get to go toe-to-toe with a potent Seattle offense. A few players that could potentially help the 30-year old Hamby on the offensive end of the floor are Azura Stevens and Rickea Jackson.
Stevens did not play in their last match up with the Storm due to a left arm injury while Jackson was only limited to three points on one-for-eight shooting from the field.
An injury to speedy point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith late in the first half did not stop the Seattle Storm from completely dominating the Atlanta Dream 81-70 on Sunday.
While the injury to Diggins-Smith is certainly a massive blow for Seattle, the Storm has enough depth should the All-Star guard decide to sit this one out. The 34-year old Ogwumike is expected to play with a chip on her shoulder after being limited in their last game against the Dream.
Another thing worth recalling is the impressive ATS record of the Storm.
Besides their ATS records, the Storm is also better than the Sparks on both ends of the floor, ranking first in steals and blocks.
If Skylar Diggins-Smith was healthy, I would pick the Seattle Storm to cover the spread easily since they are by far the more talented squad.
But with Diggins-Smith questionable and the Sparks playing at home, I am having second thoughts on backing the Storm to walk away with a comfortable victory.
That being said, I am leaning towards the over for this game. In two of their past three matchups, both teams have hit over 170 points.
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