Sparks’ Candace Parker won’t play in tonight’s game against Phoenix

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Sparks forward Candace Parker won’t play in tonight’s game against the Phoenix Mercury because of a ‘personal issue,’ said the team’s director of public relations, Alayne Ingram.

The news was made public after the team’s media availability, which happens 90 minutes before every game.

The Sparks are also playing without guard Kristi Harrower for the team’s next three games. She attended her grandmother’s funeral in her native Australia on Wednesday and will miss the following home games: Phoenix Mercury (tonight), Connecticut (Sunday) and Atlanta Dream (Tuesday).

Sparks Coach Michael Cooper said either guards Shannon Bobbitt, Betty Lennox or Noelle Quinn will start in place of Harrower. He gave no indication Parker would be absent.

-- Mark Medina