SPARKS TODAY

vs. Phoenix, 12:30 p.m.

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Sparks 17-5, Mercury 3-16.

Record vs. Mercury -- 1-0.

Update -- Phoenix has the league’s worst record and the best shot at snaring the 2004 draft’s top lottery pick and, most likely, Diana Taurasi. Saturday’s home loss to Connecticut has the Mercury gripped in a five-game losing streak. The Sparks will probably still be without starters Lisa Leslie and Tamecka Dixon -- although Dixon’s knee injury is improving and she might want to play. The Mercury is 1-9 on the road this season. Los Angeles ended its own two-game skid Tuesday with a 77-73 victory over Washington.

Tickets -- (213) 480-3232 or (877) 962-2849.

--Mike Terry