Sparks’ serious injury woes disappearing, Stephanie Talbot probable to play vs. Mercury

The Los Angeles Sparks are looking to carry on the momentum of their 98-93 overtime win over the Las Vegas Aces on Friday when they face the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.

Not only did they beat the back-to-back WNBA champs, but the health status of the Sparks’ roster is also improving day-by-by as Stephanie Talbot (Right Foot) is probable against the team who drafted her in Phoenix.

The Australian has played in all 20 games this season and even though she is dealing with a problem with her right foot, it is looking likely that she will play. Drafted by the Mercury in the third round of the 2014 WNBA Draft, Talbot spent two seasons (2014-15) in the Valley. In her first year as a Spark, the 6-foot-2 forward is averaging 4.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists so far.

When the Sparks went up against the Mercury on June 28, Azurá Stevens (Left Arm), Cameron Brink (Left Knee- NWT), Lexie Brown (Crohn’s- NWT) and Layshia Clarendon (Illness- NWT) were all out. Fast forward to Sunday’s game, just Brink and Brown will be inactive.

Brink, Los Angeles’ 2024 second-overall draft pick, underwent surgery after she suffered a season-ending ACL tear on June 18 against the Connecticut Sun. As she was attacking towards the basket, she fell awkwardly and struggled to get up. Prior to the tragic injury, the 6-foot-4 forward averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 15 WNBA games of her rookie year.

Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in the offseason, Brown was a normal starter for Los Angeles before she was dropped to the bench this year. As this season has progressed, she has been ruled out indefinitely and will be re-evaluated after the All-Star Break. Up until she has been inactive, the Duke product played 16 games (eight starts) and had 8.1 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game.

The Sparks will look to create a two-game winning streak on Sunday when they take on the Mercury at 4 p.m. PT in Los Angeles.