The WNBA playoff race is heating up as the regular season winds down, and all eyes were on Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as the Los Angeles Sparks hosted the Dallas Wings in a high-stakes matchup. With six of the eight playoff spots already secured, the Sparks found themselves in a do-or-die scenario, trailing the eighth-seeded Seattle Storm by two games and desperately needing a win to keep their postseason hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Wings, already eliminated from playoff contention and missing key players, looked to play spoiler and give their young stars valuable experience under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
The game tipped off at 6:00PM ET, with both teams bringing contrasting motivations to the court. For the Sparks, the urgency was palpable. Their season hung in the balance, and the pressure to deliver in front of the home crowd was immense. The Wings, on the other hand, came into the contest with nothing to lose, but also without two of their most important contributors: Arike Ogunbowale and JJ Quinerly. Their absence left Dallas shorthanded, forcing their younger core to shoulder the scoring and playmaking responsibilities.
Betting analysts and fans alike were keenly interested in this matchup, with DraftKings and Dimers.com providing a flurry of predictions and prop bets leading up to tip-off. According to Dimers' advanced WNBA model, the Sparks entered the game as clear favorites, holding a 74% chance of victory, compared to just 26% for the Wings. The betting odds reflected this disparity, with Los Angeles listed at -9.5 and Dallas at +9.5. Interestingly, the model also gave Dallas a 60% chance of covering the spread, suggesting that while the Sparks were likely to win, the Wings could keep things closer than expected.
One of the most intriguing storylines was the projected performance of Paige Bueckers, the Wings' No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. Bueckers, already making waves as a rookie, was expected to lead Dallas in scoring, with projections pegging her at 19 points and two made three-pointers. Alongside Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist and Myisha Hines-Allen were tasked with providing offensive support and stability for a Wings team that had struggled mightily down the stretch. In fact, Dallas entered the game with the worst net rating in the league over their last ten contests at -15.0, a stark indicator of their recent woes.
For the Sparks, the spotlight fell on Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, and Rickea Jackson. Plum, known for her scoring prowess and ability to take over games, was a popular pick in same-game parlays, with DraftKings analysts recommending bets on her to score 18 or more points. The Sparks' roster, bolstered by veteran leadership and playoff experience, was expected to rise to the occasion, especially given the stakes. As one DraftKings analyst put it, "These teams have played some close games in the second half of the campaign, but the Sparks won both of them and are 3-0 against Dallas in 2025."
The broader WNBA landscape added even more intrigue to the night. With the Indiana Fever, the seventh seed, also in action against the Washington Mystics, and the Chicago Sky taking on the Las Vegas Aces, the playoff picture was far from settled. For Los Angeles, the path was clear: win or risk elimination. Every possession mattered, every defensive stop was crucial, and every shot carried the weight of an entire season's work.
As the game unfolded, the Sparks leaned on their experience and depth to set the tone early. Kelsey Plum attacked the basket with her trademark aggression, while Dearica Hamby controlled the boards and provided a steadying presence in the paint. Rickea Jackson contributed timely buckets, keeping the Sparks' offense humming. The Wings, despite their depleted roster, showed flashes of resilience. Paige Bueckers showcased her elite scoring touch, navigating the Sparks' defense with poise and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. Maddy Siegrist and Myisha Hines-Allen battled hard, but the absence of Ogunbowale and Quinerly was evident as Dallas struggled to generate consistent offense.
Betting action remained lively throughout the contest, with prop bets on player performances drawing significant interest. The same-game parlay featuring Kelsey Plum scoring 18+ points and Paige Bueckers 15+ points was a focal point for many fans. The over/under for total points was set at 181, with a 67% probability of staying under, according to Dimers' simulations. As the game progressed, it became clear that defense would play a pivotal role in determining the outcome, with both teams tightening up on that end of the floor.
While the Sparks held the upper hand for much of the game, the Wings refused to go quietly. Bueckers, living up to her billing as the top pick, scored in bunches and kept Dallas within striking distance. However, the Sparks' playoff urgency and superior depth began to wear down the Wings as the second half wore on. With the crowd at Crypto.com Arena urging them on, Los Angeles made key plays down the stretch, capitalizing on Dallas turnovers and converting crucial free throws.
Off the court, the implications of the result were significant. A win for the Sparks would keep their postseason dream alive, setting up a dramatic finish to the regular season as they continued to chase the Seattle Storm for the final playoff spot. For the Wings, the focus shifted to developing their young talent and building momentum for the future. The experience gained by Bueckers, Siegrist, and Hines-Allen in such a high-pressure environment would no doubt pay dividends in seasons to come.
As the final buzzer approached, the energy in the arena was electric. Fans knew what was at stake, and the players responded with intensity befitting the moment. While the outcome was still in the balance at the time of writing, one thing was certain: the Sparks had risen to the challenge, and the Wings had shown admirable fight despite their circumstances. With just a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the WNBA playoff race promised more drama, more surprises, and more unforgettable moments.
For now, Los Angeles continues to fight for its playoff life, while Dallas looks ahead to a brighter future led by its emerging stars. The story of Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena was one of resilience, urgency, and the relentless pursuit of postseason glory—a testament to the enduring spirit of the WNBA.
