Golden State @ Los Angeles picks

Azurá Stevens' importance to the Sparks is amplified by Rickea Jackson’s recent concussion, leaving Los Angeles to run out a smaller lineup with rookie guard Sarah Ashlee Barker jumping into the starting five. That boosts Stevens’ role as a rebounder, which was evident in the 17 boards she tucked away in the loss to Phoenix on Wednesday. Golden State hits the road fresh from its first franchise victory, pegged as a sizable pup in L.A. The Valkyries were squashed by the Sparks in their first game back on May 16, with Stevens snatching five rebounds with Jackson alongside her in the frontcourt. This is a smaller Golden State roster and Stevens rebound projections range from seven boards to more than nine tonight.