SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Indiana, 7:30, FSN West 2

Site -- Staples Center.

Records -- Sparks 12-15, Fever 16-11.

Record vs. Fever -- 1-0.

Update -- The cloud hanging over the Sparks, stuck in a three-game losing streak with only seven games left in the regular season, had better dissipate soon if they want to make the playoffs. Going into tonight’s game, the Sparks are tied for fifth with Minnesota, 1 1/2 games behind fourth-place Phoenix in the standings but, more accurately, 2 1/2 games behind because the Mercury has the tiebreaker edge over Los Angeles. Indiana has been under the radar much of the season because of high-flying Connecticut. But the Fever, which defeated San Antonio on Thursday, is a solid second in the East thanks to the strong play of forward Tamika Catchings (14.7 points, 8.0 rebounds). Spark center Lisa Leslie will be honored for her 2004 Olympic championship before the game.

Tickets -- (213) 480-3232.

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-- Mike Terry