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Preview: Sparks host Lynx, Sky host Aces in late Sunday action

The defending-champion Lynx need to find success on the road to turn things around, while the Aces are hoping to keep up the momentum from their historic first win as they face a struggling Sky team.

By Christine M. Hopkins

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WNBA Finals - Game Five
LA’s Jantel Lavender (L) and Minnesota’s Sylvia Fowles (R) battle under the basket during Game 5 of the 2017 WNBA Finals.
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Two Sunday games round out the WNBA action for the weekend. Here are the details:

Los Angeles Sparks (3-1) vs. Minnesota Lynx (2-4)

When: Sunday, June 3 at 5 p.m. EST

Where: Staples Center | TICKETS

How to watch: WNBA League Pass (worldwide streaming) | Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles-area TV)

Injuries and absences: Maria Vadeeva is in the process of getting a visa and is expected to join the Sparks soon, but Jantel Lavender is back on the active roster after finishing her overseas commitments. The Lynx are good to go.

Storylines to follow

Sparks fly: Los Angeles’ only loss came to the undefeated Connecticut Sun, although their first game of the season was a tight 77-76 win over the Lynx on May 20 in Minnesota. That said, Lavender’s return to the lineup could give their front court the extra push it needs to forge an early second victory against Minnesota.

Unfamiliar territory: The defending-champion Lynx are off to their worst start since 2010 (1-5), the year before Maya Moore arrived on the scene. Their uncharacteristic home loss Friday sent them into a three-game skid and ended a 13-game winning streak against the Phoenix Mercury. Minnesota will need to put together something away from home to salvage their young season as they begin a three-game road trip.

Chicago Sky (2-3) vs. Las Vegas Aces (1-4)

When: Sunday, June 3 at 6 p.m. EST

Where: Wintrust Arena | TICKETS

How to watch: WNBA League Pass (worldwide streaming) | The U Too (Chicago-area TV)

Injuries and absences: For Chicago, Stefanie Dolson (foot) is listed as doubtful, while Allie Quigley (hip) is probable. Moriah Jefferson (knee) is questionable for Las Vegas.

Storylines to follow

Historic winning streak: Well, in a manner of speaking. The Aces finally picked up their first win since moving to Las Vegas Friday night and look to keep the momentum going as they hit the road. A’ja Wilson maintained the hot start to her rookie season, leading all scorers Friday with 26 points.

Vandersloot slow to success in return: After missing the first four games of the season due to overseas commitments, Courtney Vandersloot returned in Friday’s 110-72 home loss to Connecticut. However, her 7 assists were outmatched by her 8 turnovers. Can Vandersloot settle back into her high-quality WNBA rhythm against an Aces team that has finally tasted victory?

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