The 2025 WNBA season continues to unfold with a crucial matchup on Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Sparks travel to Chicago to face the Sky at Wintrust Arena. Both teams enter this game desperate to snap identical three-game losing streaks, hoping to turn their seasons around and regain momentum in what has been a challenging year for each squad.
The Sparks, currently holding a 4-10 overall record and standing 3-9 in the Western Conference, have struggled to find consistency despite the star power of guard Kelsey Plum. Plum, who has been a bright spot for Los Angeles, is averaging over 20 points and five assists per game. However, the team’s recent form has been disappointing, with losses piling up, including a recent 82-66 defeat to the Minnesota Lynx. In that game, Plum led the way with 15 points, three rebounds, and four assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Alongside Plum, forward Azura Stevens has provided solid production, averaging 13.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, while rookie Rickea Jackson made headlines with a career-high 30 points and seven rebounds in a notable 97-89 victory over the Las Vegas Aces earlier in the season.
On the other side, the Chicago Sky have fared only slightly worse with a 3-10 record and a 1-7 mark at home in the Eastern Conference. The Sky’s season has been hampered by injuries, notably the absence of Courtney Vandersloot, who is out for the season with an ACL injury. Despite these setbacks, the Sky feature some standout performers. Angel Reese, the league leader in rebounds, is averaging an impressive 11.5 boards per game along with 10.8 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals. Veteran guard Ariel Atkins has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 15.3 points over her last ten games. However, the team’s struggles are evident, as they have dropped their last three games, including a 93-80 loss to the Atlanta Dream where Atkins scored 29 points and Reese contributed 10 points and 19 rebounds.
This Tuesday’s game marks the second meeting between these two teams this season. The Sparks won their first encounter on May 25, 2025, with a 91-78 victory in which Kelsey Plum put up 28 points and Azura Stevens added 24 points and eight rebounds. Since that win, however, Los Angeles has managed only two wins in nine games, showing that consistency remains elusive. Chicago, meanwhile, has struggled to build any sustained success, with their three wins coming against teams with poor records, such as the Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun.
From a tactical standpoint, the matchup features some intriguing contrasts. Chicago ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding, averaging 35.3 per game, led by Reese’s dominant presence on the boards. The Sparks, meanwhile, average 34.2 rebounds per game, showing they can compete physically. The battle for control of the glass will be critical in a game where both teams are desperate for a win.
Three-point shooting is another key factor. Chicago averages 6.3 made 3-pointers per game, which is 3.3 fewer than the 9.6 per game that Los Angeles allows. Conversely, the Sparks average 8.3 made 3-pointers per game, which is 2.9 fewer than the 11.2 per game Chicago concedes. This dynamic suggests that outside shooting could play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome.
Both teams have been plagued by injuries, with the Sparks missing Cameron Brink (knee) and Rae Burrell (leg), while the Sky have been without Vandersloot all season. These absences have undoubtedly affected team chemistry and depth, making the upcoming game even more significant for both sides.
For fans looking to catch the action, the game tips off at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) and will be broadcast on NBA TV. Streaming options include FuboTV, which offers a free trial, DirecTV with a free trial, and Sling TV with a low introductory rate, providing multiple avenues for viewers to watch the game live. The accessibility of these streaming services ensures fans can keep up with the game regardless of their preferred platform.
Los Angeles Sparks coach Derek Fisher has expressed the urgency of turning the season around. While direct quotes from Fisher are not available, the team’s recent performances indicate a pressing need to find ways to win, especially with the playoffs still in sight. Similarly, the Sky, coached by James Wade, face the challenge of rallying their players and breaking out of a tough stretch, particularly on their home court where they have struggled with a 1-4 record this season.
This contest is more than just a battle for a win; it’s a test of resilience and determination for both teams. The Sparks and Sky have shown flashes of talent and potential but have yet to string together the sustained success required in the competitive WNBA landscape. With their records nearly identical and both teams desperate to halt losing streaks, the game promises to be a hard-fought affair.
Looking ahead, a victory here could provide a much-needed confidence boost and momentum swing for either franchise. For the Sparks, breaking the losing streak on the road would be a statement, especially against a conference rival. For the Sky, winning at home after a tough stretch would help restore faith among fans and players alike.
As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on Kelsey Plum and Angel Reese, two of the league’s standout performers who have carried much of the load for their respective teams. Plum’s scoring and playmaking will be pivotal for the Sparks, while Reese’s rebounding dominance and presence inside will be critical for the Sky’s chances.
Both teams have the talent and the motivation to make this a compelling matchup. Whether one can finally break free from the slump remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that fans will be treated to a competitive, high-stakes game that could shape the trajectory of each team’s season.
The Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky tip off Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET at Wintrust Arena, with NBA TV providing the broadcast and streaming options available via FuboTV, DirecTV, and Sling TV. As both teams look to snap their losing streaks, the stakes couldn’t be higher in this pivotal WNBA showdown.
