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Silver Stars-Sparks Preview

Aug 7, 2010 - 4:34 PM By MATT BEARDMORE STATS Writer

San Antonio (10-17) at Los Angeles (10-17), 8:00 p.m. EDT

Despite missing two of their top players, the Los Angeles Sparks are positioning themselves for a postseason berth.

The San Antonio Silver Stars are trying not to fall out of playoff contention.

As Tina Thompson looks to move closer to the all-time WNBA scoring record, the Sparks will try to win four straight at home for the first time in two seasons on Sunday night.

With star Candace Parker (dislocated shoulder) and Betty Lennox (torn left meniscus) out for the season, the Sparks (10-7) have won five of seven since falling 10 games below .500 following an 83-73 loss at San Antonio on July 18.

"We have limited our turnovers, we've rebounded, and we shared the ball," coach Jennifer Gillom said following Friday's 77-70 victory over league-worst Tulsa. "Those are the three keys I've been telling them that we have to do every game in order to win."

Thompson has provided the Sparks with a much-needed inside presence, averaging 15.8 points and 5.4 rebounds since Parker was injured June 13. Thompson, a nine-time All-Star, scored 12 points Friday and is 14 shy of moving past former Sparks center Lisa Leslie for the most in league history with 6,264.

Thompson is averaging 19.3 points and 9.3 boards in three games versus San Antonio this season.

While the Sparks are looking to win four in a row at Staples Center for the first time since a six-game run from July 6-Sept. 1, 2008, the Silver Stars (10-17) are trying to get back on track following consecutive losses to defending champion Phoenix. A 103-87 road loss Friday dropped San Antonio four games behind the Mercury and into a third-place tie in the crowded West standings.

The Silver Stars, Sparks and Minnesota are separated by one-half game.

"We need to win against the teams that we are competing against," coach Sandy Brondello told the Silver Stars' official website. "The next two are LA and Minnesota."

San Antonio, which has lost four of six, finishes a two-game trip with its first visit to Los Angeles since a 73-63 loss July 1. Thompson scored 24 points with 10 rebounds as the Sparks snapped a four-game skid and won their first game without Parker.

Roneeka Hodges hit six 3-pointers and scored a season-high 24, and Becky Hammon added 21 with seven assists as San Antonio snapped a three-game slide with its July 18 victory.

Hammon is averaging 16.3 points and 5.3 assists against Los Angeles in 2010.

The home team has won the last five times in this matchup.