Up next for Sparks: Thursday vs. Seattle

VS. SEATTLE

Time: 7:30.

Where: Staples Center.

On the air: Webcast, wnba.com.

Records: Sparks 6-11, Storm 12-8.

Record vs. Storm: 1-2.

Update: Although Candace Parker has improved, averaging 11 points and 10.4 rebounds in her last five games, the team has gone 3-6 since her return from maternity leave. With Lisa Leslie playing in her second game since a right knee sprain kept her sidelined for 11 games, the Sparks hope their team will rebound. “We don’t have a lot of time to build this chemistry,” said Leslie, who made her debut Tuesday against San Antonio with 13 points on four-of-13 shooting in 23 minutes off the bench. “But we’re going to keep fighting.” The Sparks will play without guard Betty Lennox, who will sit out her third consecutive game because of inflammation in her left knee.

-- Mark Medina