Lynx host Sparks, Seeking to Keep Pace in Race for Home Court Advantage

Over the weekend, the Minnesota Lynx fell to the Phoenix Mercury on the road-- 80-82. The defeat snapped what was previously an 11-game winning streak for the Lynx.

Diana Taurasi connected on a 20 foot jump shot with just under three seconds remaining in what was the go-ahead bucket for the Mercury. Although Lindsay Whalen managed to get a shot off, it was blocked by Brittney Griner and Minnesota left US Airways Arena knowing they had lost some ground in the race for home court advantage throughout the WNBA playoffs.

Tonight, the Lynx welcome the Los Angeles Sparks to Target Center. They will look to keep the pressure on Phoenix with only three games remaining in the regular season. The Sparks are clinging tightly to a half-game lead over the San Antonio Silver Stars for third place in the West. Because the Seattle Storm are surging they pose a threat to the Sparks and Stars, and could knock one of them out of postseason contention before the season comes to a close. Although, the Storm must win their remaining games in order to do that and must also receive some help-- the Lynx defeating the Sparks on Tuesday would contribute to Seattle's cause.

The Storm have won three consecutive outings, but only have two games remaining in their season.

If Phoenix manages to take care of their own business, Minnesota will host the third seed in the opening round of the postseason-- only four teams from each conference may qualify. The Lynx have defeated the Sparks three times already this season, by an average of nearly 14 points. Maya Moore, who is undoubtedly the most dominant WNBA player I've ever seen, scored 61 points over a two-game span against Los Angeles. The West is top-heavy, and, although the Sparks rank third in the conference behind the Mercury and Lynx; a sub-500 team such as Los Angeles poses little threat to omnipotent core of Whalen, Moore, and Seimone Augustus.

Tonight's game between the Lynx and Sparks will be broadcasted on FM 106.1, and is on television for those with access to NBATV. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00PM (CST). Also tonight, the Mercury are in New York facing the Liberty, who are in the hunt for the final slot in the Eastern Conference playoff race-- sitting only a half-game behind the Indiana Fever.

Head down to Target Center and support your Lynx.

-zb.