Published Jun 24, 7:26am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 24, 7:26am ET
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Updated Jun 24, 7:26am ET
One of Thursday's WNBA matchups features the Toronto Tempo hosting the Los Angeles Sparks. Who has the edge in our Tempo vs Sparks pick?
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| Toronto Tempo | +4.5 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Sparks | -4.5 (-110) |
Following back-to-back wins against the Sky and Sun, Toronto has dropped three of its last four games. Its latest setback was a 94-87 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Monday night.
ALSO SEE: Valkyries vs Dream | Odds and NBA Pick (Jun 24)
The Tempo got off to a slow start, getting outscored 33-15 in the opening quarter and never really recovered. Although they posted a 22-13 edge in fourth-quarter scoring, Atlanta had firm control of the game from the start.
Marina Mabrey put up a team-high 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting, along with four rebounds and four assists. Isabelle Harrison added a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Coming off a performance in which it shot 45 percent overall and 32 percent from 3, Toronto returns home looking right the ship against Los Angeles.
After defeating Phoenix on Jun. 13, the Sparks have dropped two of their last three games. Thankfully, they ended their recent two-game skid with a 98-97 victory over the New York Liberty on Sunday.
Los Angeles trailed by double-digits at the break, but rallied to pull within two after Breanna Stewart hit one of two free throws with nine seconds left. On the game's final play, Nneka Ogwumike calmly sank a 3-pointer as the game clock expired, propelling the home team to an unlikely win.
Six players reached double figures. Ogwumike powered the offense with 24 points (including 12 in the final 3:50), six rebounds, and three assists. Rae Burrell registered 19 points, four assists, and three rebounds, giving the second unit some much-needed scoring punch.
The Sparks shot 52 percent overall and 33 percent from distance — a factor that could loom large against a Toronto squad that has hit a rough patch.
Toronto enters this battle as a 4.5-point underdog. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.
The teams split the first two meetings between the franchises, leaving neither side with a clear advantage. Toronto is 3-2 in its last five home games, while the Sparks have posted an identical 3-2 mark across their last five road contests. Based on each of the team's most recent performances, L.A. holds a slight edge here.
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Pick
Los Angeles Sparks (-4.5)
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