Los Angeles Sparks at Chicago Sky 5/6/22 - WNBA Picks & Predictions

The Los Angeles Sparks visit the Chicago Sky on Friday in the opening game of the 2022 NBA regular season for both teams. Los Angeles was 12-20 last season and did not reach the playoffs. However, Los Angeles made the WNBA’s biggest offseason acquisition when signing superstar Liz Cambage away from the Las Vegas Aces. Cambage joins sisters Nneka and Chiney Ogumike as well as veteran Kristi Tolliver, which gives the Sparks a strong base to work from.

The addition of Cambage gives Los Angeles a proven scorer and rebounder after last season averaging 14.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. However, beyond the starting five, the Sparks are unknown. Chennedy Carter joined the Sparks from Atlanta and could give Los Angeles another strong scoring presence. Los Angeles also signed Jordin Canada from Seattle, who will help the Sparks backcourt.

The Chicago Sky enter the 2022 season as the reigning  WNBA champions for the first time in franchise history. Veteran Candace Parker returns for Chicago after leading the Sky to the WNBA title last season. During the offseason, Chicago signed Emma Meesseman, who has a great deal of playoff experience and was a MVP in the WNBA Finals. Chicago returns stars such as Parker, Kahleah Copper, Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot.

During the offseason, Chicago, besides signing Meesseman, also added Crystal Bradford, who will miss the first half of the season due to injury. The Sky also signed Rebekah Gardner, Sparkle Taylor and Kaela Davis to add depth to the roster. However, Chicago has one of the toughest starting five in the WNBA with a great deal of experience, talent on both ends of the court and will have swagger as they are the defending champs.