Los Angeles Sparks vs New York Liberty Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 13, 2026

The Los Angeles Sparks visit the New York Liberty on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET at Barclays Center. Los Angeles is 12-20, sixth in the Western Conference and 14 games behind Minnesota after Tuesday’s 94-87 loss to Phoenix. The Sparks have lost two straight and are 2-3 over their last five. New York is 20-14, fourth in the Eastern Conference and 1.5 games behind Indiana after Tuesday’s 106-92 loss at Indiana. The Liberty had won four straight before that defeat and are 11-5 at home. The season series is tied 1-1. New York moved from -7.5 to -8.5, while the total climbed from 184.5 to 186.5. Build your bankroll with our free WNBA picks.

Los Angeles Sparks Need More Defensive Stops

Los Angeles averages 89.2 points while shooting 46.7% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. The Sparks also average 22.0 assists but commit 14.2 turnovers per game. Nneka Ogwumike leads the team with 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds, while Dearica Hamby contributes 15.3 points and 7.4 boards. Los Angeles has scored at least 87 points in four of its last five games, including 106 in a win over Portland.

The larger concern is a defense allowing 93.6 points per game, second-most among the listed WNBA teams. Opponents shoot 47.9% against Los Angeles and average 22.6 assists. The Sparks surrendered 94 points to Phoenix and 84 to Golden State in their last two defeats. Kelsey Plum’s listed 23.9 points and 6.4 assists come from only 12 games and include four with Phoenix, so those figures are not Sparks-only numbers. 

Injuries: Alissa Pili (Out), Monique Akoa Makani (Out).

New York Liberty Look to Extend Home Winning Streak

New York averages 90.7 points while shooting 46.5% from the field, 35.5% from three and 85.3% at the free-throw line. Breanna Stewart leads the Liberty with 21.3 points and adds 8.4 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu averages 15.8 points and 4.5 assists. Jonquel Jones contributes 14.6 points and a team-high 9.1 rebounds. New York scored at least 92 points in each of its last five games and reached 111 against Las Vegas.

The Liberty allow 87.0 points per game and hold opponents to 45.2% shooting. New York also averages 35.0 rebounds, four more than Los Angeles, while allowing opponents only 30.9. The Liberty have won their last three home games, scoring 111, 92 and 95 points in those victories. Satou Sabally and Leonie Fiebich are out, removing two players averaging 10.4 and 10.0 points. 

Injuries: Satou Sabally (Out), Anneli Maley (Out), Leonie Fiebich (Out).

Key Player Matchup

Nneka Ogwumike vs Breanna Stewart

Ogwumike gives Los Angeles 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 51.2% from the field. Stewart carries the larger scoring role for New York at 21.3 points per game while adding 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks. Stewart’s production becomes even more important with Sabally and Fiebich unavailable. Ogwumike will need another productive night to help Los Angeles stay close.

Los Angeles Sparks vs New York Liberty Game Pick

• New York Liberty -8.5

New York -8.5 is the game pick despite the line moving one point from its -7.5 opener. The Liberty are 11-5 at Barclays Center and have won three consecutive home games, while Los Angeles allows 93.6 points per contest and opponents shoot 47.9%. New York also holds a four-rebound advantage per game and has scored 92 or more in five straight. The Liberty are missing several rotation players, but Stewart, Ionescu and Jones still give New York enough scoring to cover the spread.

Los Angeles Sparks vs New York Liberty Over/Under Pick

• Over 186.5

Over 186.5 is the total pick even after the number moved up from 184.5. Los Angeles has allowed 93.6 points per game and has surrendered at least 94 in three of its last five contests. New York has scored 92 or more in five straight, including 111 against Las Vegas and 106 in Tuesday’s loss. The Sparks have also reached 87 or more in four of five. With both teams showing recent scoring production, there is enough offense available to push this matchup over 186.5 points.