SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Charlotte, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Sparks 18-7, Sting 13-11.

Record vs. Sting (2002) -- 0-1.

Update -- Since a 9-0 start, the Sparks have been treading water, going 9-7. Thursday’s 83-75 setback in Sacramento was only the second defeat on the road this season, but it was also their second loss this week. They have not dropped three in a row since June 2001. Coach Michael Cooper called tonight’s game crucial. “We need to stop the slide,” he said. “This season is slowly sliding away. All the teams we’re seeing now are playoff teams, and everybody’s vying for their own spot.”

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

-- Mike Terry