Los Angeles Sparks vs. Connecticut Sun Prediction: Tough Road Trip Continues for Sparks

When their seven-game road trip got underway, the Los Angeles Sparks were on the right track, having won their last two and improving to 4-7. But three games into the trip, they are 4-10, and life is about to get a lot harder with a game against Connecticut followed by a pair against New York.

As could be expected, the Sun opened as massive favorites to win at -13.5 points. Assuming the spread stays above ten, it will be the third time this season that the Sun has been a double-digit favorite. They were the home team in those games, won easily, and covered the spreads.

If Connecticut overlooks Los Angeles, this game could be much more competitive than expected. On that note, let’s review the betting odds for the game, along with our preview and pick.

Sparks vs. Sun Betting Odds for Tuesday, June 18

Connecticut leads the all-time series vs. the Sparks, winning 30 of their 53 matchups. But the Sun has dominated the series in recent years, having won the last ten times these teams have played. The Sparks last beat the Sun during the 2020 season (80-76, August 28).

In the ten-game winning streak, the Sun also dominated the Sparks against the spread, going 9-1.

It will certainly be an uphill battle for the Sparks. But the Sun is more of a defensive team than an offensive one, which has allowed several teams to appear competitive and win against the spread. On the season, the Sun is 7-6 ATS; the Sparks are 5-8-1.

Here’s the betting line for Spark vs. Sun with odds from Caesars Sportsbook where new users can get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars.

Sparks vs. Sun Prediction

Los Angeles Sparks Preview

A two-game road trip is tough, but a seven-game one is nothing short of brutal. It will only worsen for the Sparks, who will follow up this game with a pair against Liberty in New York. The final stop of the trip is in Phoenix.

Mercury is not in the same class as the Sun or Liberty, but it will not be a walk in the park, either. They could really use a win over a team like the Sun to give them a lift when they head to New York.

They haven't scored more than 79 during the road trip or held anyone under 81.

In their last contest, vs. Atlanta, Dearica Hamby failed to record a double-double for just the third time this season (10 points and eight rebounds); she struggled with her shot, hitting three of 14 attempts. Cameron Brink's offense came alive with 16 points; Rickea Jackson also had 16.

Bet on Los Angeles Sparks at Caesars

Connecticut Sun Preview

As good as some of the other teams in the WNBA are, the Sun may be the most dominant of the bunch. Having the best record in the league certainly helps, but it's more about how the team plays. The offense isn't high-powered or prolific, but it is capable and talented. It will score what is needed.

But the real strength is in the defense. Only four teams scored 80+ points against them (Connecticut won three of them). Another four scored less than 70, including Phoenix's 47-point night a couple of weeks ago.

Five different players have led the team in scoring for a game. The team has five that average double-digit scoring per night, and Alyssa Thomas is having another MVP-caliber season. Thomas is just a couple of assists per game away from averaging a triple-double.

All the Sun needs to do against the Sparks is play their game.  If they do, there is no way Los Angeles can win this game.

Bet on Connecticut Sun at Caesars

Sparks vs. Sun - My Pick

A 12.5-point spread is risky, but it is hard to make a case against betting on it. The Sparks do not have much of an offense (No. 10, 77.6 ppg), and they are not a great defensive team, either (No. 8, 84 ppg allowed). Connecticut does not have a prolific offense, but it is a good one.

The Sun defense will make it a long night for Los Angeles shooters. But can the Sun's offense blow the Sparks out of the water and cover this spread?

Yes (but that's a hesitant 'yes'). There is no reason to think the Sparks will be competitive with the Sun, but 12.5 points is a big spread. With such a spread, it isn't so much about winning the game but dominating them and keeping the gas pedal to the floor even after the game is in hand.

You can take the Sun to cover if you want; you'll probably be fine. But we like the UNDER on this game a little more, with the final probably going to be 80+ points to 60+ points.

• My Pick: Under 155.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook

How to Watch Sparks vs. Sun

• Location: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut

• Game Time & Date: 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 18

• Coverage: NBA TV