Sparks Tonight

VS. PHOENIX, 7, ESPN 2

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KWKU (1220).

Records--Sparks 12-3, Mercury 4-9.

Record vs. Mercury (2000)--2-0.

Update--Sparks guard Tamecka Dixon fell into a shooting funk during the team’s four-game trip, including consecutive two-for-13 efforts against New York and Cleveland. But Dixon is turning it around so far on the homestand, with eight-for-12 games against Miami and Utah. Most important, Dixon is shooting well from outside again. When she can consistently make the 15-foot shot, her quickness while driving to the basket becomes difficult to defend. Stopping Dixon is only one of the problems facing Phoenix tonight. So far this season the Mercury, under new Coach Cynthia Cooper, isn’t rising in the Western Conference. The Mercury is last in the West, has won one of its last six games and has won on the road only once (at Minnesota). Forward Jennifer Gillom (13.2 through Tuesday) leads Phoenix in scoring.

Tickets--(877) 962-8499.