LA Sparks vs. Seattle Storm 8/1/20 - WNBA Picks & Predictions

The Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm meet up for the first time in the “Wubble” the nickname given to the WNBA bubble, located at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The Sparks got their revenge from the Western Conference semi-finals last season, beating the Sky 81-76 to improve their record 2-1 on the season. The Storm won their opening two games but fell to the reigning WNBA champions Washington Mystic 89-71, moving to 2-1 on the season. 

The LA Sparks come in averaging 86 points per game which rank 8th in the WNBA in this young season. The Sparks boast a balanced scoring attack and have five players averaging double figures this season. Leading the Sparks is Nneka Ogwumike who is averaging 16 points per game while ranking second in the WNBA in field goal percentage (71.4%). Veteran Candace Parker adds 10.3 points per game while leading the team in rebounding with 9 rebounds per contest. 

The Storm is a team that can make noise this season, although they come in averaging 82.7 points per game ranking 9th in the WNBA. The Storm is led by Breanna Stewart, the former #1 draft pick. Stewart can do everything and comes in as the Storm’s leading scorer with 17 points per game while also collecting 9.3 rebounds per game. Running the point for the Storm would be Sue Bird who is averaging 3.3 assists per game while adding 10.7 points of her own, but she is out with an injury for this game.

The Storm’s early-season success can be attributed to their lockdown defense which has allowed 75.3 points per game and opposing teams are shooting just 37.7% from the field, both of which lead the WNBA. The Sparks are allowing 82.7 points per game and opponents are shooting 44.6% from the field.