Preview: The Lynx routed Los Angeles 94-77 on Thursday at Target Center in the opener of the best-of-three Western Conference finals. But the second game is at the Staples Center, where the Sparks were 16-1 during the regular season. It has been a chamber of horrors for the Lynx, whose record there all-time is 4-21.

Lynx at a glance: They have won seven of their past nine games against Los Angeles, including three of five this season. ... Seimone Augustus is averaging 18 points in those five games, Maya Moore 16.2. ... The Lynx were first in the league in second-chance points (15 per game) during the regular season, L.A. third (13.24), but in their playoff meeting the Lynx dominated 20-2.

Los Angeles at a glance: Candace Parker, the Sparks' 6-4 center, led the team in points (25), rebounds (11) and assists (four) in their loss to the Lynx on Thursday. ... Ex-Lynx center Nicky Anosike had nine points and four rebounds off the bench in the same game. ... Two categories in which L.A. had an edge over the Lynx were fast-break points, 20-12, and free throws made; the Sparks were 16-for-23, the Lynx 5-for-6.

ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ