Mystics, Sparks Square Off Looking for First Win
Mystics vs Sparks Predictions Have LA as 2-Point Favorite

The Washington Mystics will visit the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET), with both teams looking for their first win of the WNBA season.
Los Angeles is a 2-point favorite and -132 on the moneyline, with Washington +108 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is 160.5.
What team has the edge? Read on as we break down the matchup and give our Mystics vs Sparks predictions.
Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks
Day/Time:
Location: Walter Pyramid, Long Beach, Calif.
Streaming: MSN
Mystics vs Sparks Betting Trends
The Washington Mystics are 2-1 against the spread and covered in their lone road game. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sparks are 1-1 against the spread.
That’s important to remember when analyzing our Mystics vs Sparks predictions.
Setting a Low Bar
Expectations were low for the Mystics. Really, really low. In fact, Washington was projected for only 11.5 wins, making it one of the biggest longshots in the WNBA.
So far, things are going accordingly.
Washington is 0-3, one of three teams still winless in the WNBA standings. It last played Sunday, falling 84-75 to Seattle.
Ariel Atkins has been Washington’s top scorer in two of its first three games and is averaging 15.7 points. Meanwhile, Shakira Austin is averaging 11.5 points and 2.5 blocks.
Elena Delle Donne’s absence remains Washington’s biggest issue. Without her, the Mystics lack considerable star power. The two-time WNBA MVP has appeared in only 51 games over the last three seasons because of recurring back issues. She also sat out the 2020 season in the Bradenton, Fla., bubble due to COVID-19 concerns. Delle Donne, who turned 34 in September, has possibly played her last game for Washington.
As such, Washington is +8500 to win the WNBA title. Only Los Angeles (+10000) has longer championship odds.
Washington has made the playoffs back-to-back years but is a combined 62-68 since winning the title in 2019.
Lacking a Spark
Like Washington, Los Angeles has seen better days. The Sparks are 0-2 following Saturday’s 89-82 loss to Las Vegas.
On the heels of last year’s 17-23 finish, the Sparks were projected for only 9.5 wins.
After landing Cameron Brink with the No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft, the future is bright. The Stanford product is undeniably one of the most unique players in the league because of her length and ability to score off the dribble.
That said, this season may be a struggle. Dearica Hamby (24.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.5 SPG) and Kia Nurse (18.0 PPG) have played well, but neither profile as a franchise player. Nneka Ogwumike’s departure in free agency left the Sparks with a considerable void. Without her, the Sparks lack a true difference maker.
Perhaps Brink is that player, but it won’t be this season. There’s a steep adjustment to the WNBA, even for the best prospects such as Brink. Be sure to keep that in mind when assessing our Mystics vs Sparks predictions.
Los Angeles has missed the playoffs three straight seasons, with its last appearance coming in the COVID-interrupted 2020 season. The Sparks are just 42-66 since then. They are priced accordingly as +10000 longshots to win the WNBA title.
Handicapping the Game
Both Washington and Los Angeles have started poorly. Given the incredibly low expectations, it’s no surprise.
These are two of the worst teams in the WNBA, maybe even the two worst. There will be better days for both franchises, but not this season. Both are longshots just to make the postseason.
Being at home, Los Angeles has a slight edge in this matchup. But bettors should avoid putting too much trust in either team when making their picks.
For Under/Over basketball predictions, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.