SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Detroit Shock

4:30 p.m., EDT

Site--The Palace at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Sparks 10-13, Shock 12-11.

Update--A tough Eastern trip for a toughened team begins today, with the Sparks hoping their newfound defensive intensity will let them continue their winning streak, which stands at four games. Starting guard Tamecka Dixon has a knee injury and did not travel to Detroit but could join the team in New York. The Shock, 9-3 at home, is in the hunt for a wild-card playoff berth. On July 25, Nancy Lieberman-Cline’s team lost a big early lead but held on for a 69-67 win over the Sparks. Los Angeles is 3-0 under new Coach Orlando Woolridge.