SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Sacramento, 7:30

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KPLS (830).

Records--Sparks 12-2, Monarchs 2-12.

Record vs. Monarchs--1-0.

Update--The Sparks have had four days to contemplate the loss to Houston, their first regular-season home defeat in Staples Center after 28 consecutive wins. The Sparks find their Western Conference lead over the red-hot Comets, who have won eight in a row, has shrunk to percentage points. Sacramento, on the other hand, is in a six-game losing streak and can’t escape the Western basement without the injured Yolanda Griffith, Edna Campbell and Ticha Penicheiro. Sunday’s loss in Detroit has also left the Monarchs 0-8 on the road. Penicheiro, the league’s assist leader who suffered a sprained right shoulder on June 20, is the closest to returning. Spark center Lisa Leslie figures to be motivated after enduring one of her worst professional games (seven points, one rebound) on Sunday.

Tickets--(877) 962-2849, (213) 480-3232.