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Sparks-Lynx Preview

Aug 11, 2010 - 4:08 PM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Los Angeles (10-19) at Minnesota (11-17), 8:00 p.m. EDT

Minnesota picked up a critical win in its last game against a conference rival that also wants a playoff spot. The result of the Lynx's next contest may be just as important once the regular season ends.

Looking to further improve their possible postseason positioning, the Lynx will try to snap a five-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night.

Minnesota (11-17), which has won three of its last four to move into third place in the Western Conference, took a half-game lead over fourth-place San Antonio with a 73-66 victory over the Silver Stars on Tuesday. They will close the season series Sunday after splitting the first four meetings.

"At this point, every game is a must-win for us, so it feels good," said Rebekkah Brunson, who finished with 12 points - all in the first half - and added 12 rebounds. "We were hungry. We knew we had to come in here and win this game."

Seimone Augustus led the Lynx with 20 points, including eight in the fourth quarter.

But Augustus, who is averaging a team-high 18.5 points, had her worst game of the year against the Sparks, scoring just six on 2-of-13 shooting in a 71-58 loss July 27.

That was Minnesota's fifth straight defeat to Los Angeles (10-19), including two this season. The fifth-place Sparks, who trail the Lynx by 1 1/2 games, have won their last two visits to the Target Center.

Minnesota and Los Angeles will close the season series Aug. 20 at Staples Center. With three teams fighting for two playoff spots, the results of the head-to-head matchups may ultimately determine which club makes the postseason.

Los Angeles is coming off an 82-76 loss to East-leading Indiana on Tuesday. The Sparks have dropped two straight and three of five.

New all-time scoring leader Tina Thompson had 21 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, but Los Angeles, which is the third-lowest scoring team in the WNBA at 76.6 points per game, shot only 36.1 percent.

The Sparks also used seven players because of injuries to Candace Parker and Betty Lennox, both of whom have been out since June. Ticha Penicheiro, who leads the league with 6.3 assists per game, also sat out reportedly with a sprained knee.

"It's taken its toll," coach Jennifer Gillom said. "If we continue to play these players 35-plus minutes night in and night out, it's going to take its toll."

After splitting a four-game homestand, the Sparks are on the road for three of their final five games capped by a matchup at league-leading Seattle on Aug. 21 to close the regular season.

Los Angeles has won two of its last three on the road, but is only 3-11 away from home.

Thompson has totaled 38 points and 12 rebounds against Minnesota this year.