Sparks Tonight

VS. SACRAMENTO, 7,

ESPN2

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KWKU (1220).

Records--Sparks 22-3, Monarchs 15-10.

Record vs. Monarchs--2-0.

Update--Three more wins. That’s what it would take for the Sparks, who have won 13 in a row, to break Houston’s league record for consecutive victories. But a more important goal would be five more wins in the last seven games. That would lock up the WNBA’s best regular-season record and give the Sparks homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. Coach Michael Cooper said Tamecka Dixon’s return to the lineup tonight would be “a game-time decision.” But Dixon, sidelined by a right heel injury, still has not practiced with the team since last week and will probably miss her third game in a row. Vedrana Grgin-Fonseca replaced Dixon as a starter in Monday’s 78-69 win over Minnesota, scoring five points and grabbing four rebounds (all on offense). But Cooper may opt for another ballhandler (such as Nicky McCrimmon) besides Ukari Figgs; Sacramento likes to spring full-court traps on opponents, and guard Ruthie Bolton-Holifield is a defensive pest with quick hands. The Monarchs are one game ahead of Utah for third in the West, and can still overtake Houston for second since the Sparks are the last winning team Sacramento plays down the stretch. Coach Maura McHugh is 9-4 since taking over on June 25.

* Tickets--Tickets--(877)

962-8499.