SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Detroit, 7:30, NBA TV

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 690.

Records -- Sparks 13-16, Shock 14-15.

Record vs. Shock -- 0-1.

Update -- It will be a long time before the Sparks forget their record collapse in Motown on June 26, coughing up a 25-point lead and losing to Detroit by six. But that didn’t exactly ignite the Shock, which has gone 8-10 since that improbable victory. Still, the Shock is in better position than the Sparks in chasing a playoff spot. Detroit is tied with Washington for fourth place in the East, and had won four straight before losing to Phoenix on Tuesday. The Sparks, who fell to Sacramento on Tuesday, are sixth in the West and probably cannot lose any of their five remaining games if they hope to overtake Phoenix for the fourth spot in the West. Joe Bryant, who took over for Henry Bibby on Tuesday, goes after his first victory as the Sparks’ head coach.

Tickets -- (213) 480-3232.

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-- Mike Terry