SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Sparks 5-3, Mercury 2-4.

Record vs. Mercury (2005) -- 1-2.

Update -- Los Angeles has quietly moved into second place, half a game behind front-running Houston in the Western Conference. But in the next four games, starting tonight as they play host to Phoenix, the Sparks will need to show they have regained more than their confidence. Even though it’s early in the season, they rank eighth in field goal shooting (42.3%) and ninth in scoring average (74 points). The Mercury, after a 0-4 start, has defeated Sacramento and Detroit. Phoenix also has taken over the league lead in scoring average (84.2 points). Sparks center Lisa Leslie, fourth in scoring (21.3) and first in rebounding (11.8), is among the leading candidates for the WNBA’s all-decade team, which is scheduled to be announced tonight.

Tickets -- (213) 480-3232.

-- Mike Terry