Up next for the Sparks: Sunday vs. Phoenix

When: Noon.

Where: Staples Center.

On the air: TWC, TWC Deportes

Records: Sparks 23-10, Mercury 19-14.

Record vs. Mercury: 1-2.

Update: The Sparks will finish the regular season against the Phoenix Mercury, the same team they’re playing in the first round of the playoffs. The Sparks have clinched second place in the Western Conference, and the Mercury is in third. The Sparks will have home-court advantage in their best-of-three playoff series, which begins Sept. 19 in L.A. at 7 p.m. The Sparks have only won one game against the Mercury this season, an 88-76 victory on July 14. The Mercury beat the Sparks, 97-81, on June 14 and, 90-84, on July 18. The Mercury is led by Diana Taurasi, who is averaging 20.7 points, 6.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds a game. The Sparks are led by Candace Parker, who is averaging 18 points and 8.8 rebounds.

— Melissa Rohlin