Game preview: The Lynx defeated the Sparks at Target Center early in the season as part of their 10-0 start, but Los Angeles, playing at home, took the rematch in early July. The Lynx (21-4) have opened up a three-game lead in the Western Conference on second-place Los Angeles (19-8).
Lynx update: Minnesota has won eight consecutive games, six of them after the Olympics break. But the schedule picks up considerably in the final nine games, with two games each against Los Angeles, San Antonio and Indiana. "We're going to be tested," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said after a 92-83 victory over Tulsa on Friday. "We've got plenty of tests."
Sparks update: Los Angeles was even hotter than the Lynx until just a few days ago, riding a nine-game winning streak. But the Sparks carry back-to-back losses against Tulsa and Chicago into Tuesday's game. L.A. is 12-1 at home this season but just 7-7 on the road.
MICHAEL RAND
