SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Sacramento, 7:30, FSN West 2

Site -- Staples Center.

Records -- Sparks 17-17, Monarchs 25-9.

Record vs. Monarchs (regular season) -- 1-3.

Update -- Rebounding may be the key to this playoff opener. In the three Sacramento victories, the Monarchs outrebounded the Sparks, 104-89. In the Sparks’ lone win, the teams tied, 29-29. “If we can keep [the Monarchs] off the boards, it will be a great game,” said Spark guard Tamecka Dixon. “If we allow them to dominate us on the boards, it will be a long night.” Sacramento was the league’s fifth-best rebounding team at 30.7, and outrebounded opponents by an average of 2.24 a game. The Sparks ranked eighth at 29.5, and were outrebounded by opponents by an average of 1.09. It’s the first time in franchise history that the Sparks (1,004) took in fewer rebounds than opponents (1,041).

Tickets -- (213) 480-3232.

-- Mike Terry