With just three weeks left in the WNBA season, the race for the final playoff spots is heating up. The Los Angeles Sparks sit just half a game back of the Seattle Storm for the No. 8 seed, while the Washington Mystics are just one game back of the Sparks.
My Sparks vs. Mystics predictions expect a high-scoring game in the nation’s capital, highlighted by big games from the Mystics’ star pair of rookies.
Find out more in my WNBA picks for August 17.
Sparks vs Mystics predictions
My Sparks vs Mystics best bet: Sonia Citron Over 16.5 points (+100 at FanDuel)
Paige Bueckers has been the runaway favorite to win Rookie of the Year for most of the 2025 campaign, but Sonia Citron has made a strong case of her own and may push Bueckers over the final stretch of the season.
Citron is averaging 15 points per game this season, and she’s got the second-most 20-point games behind only Bueckers. Since the Washington Mystics traded Britney Sykes, Citron has stepped up as the Mystics’ go-to option on offense.
Over the last five without Sykes, Citron has averaged 18.6 points and two triples while shooting 51.7% from the floor and a blistering 55.6% from beyond the arc. Citron has also been aggressive getting to the rim, averaging 5.2 free throws per game in that span.
The All-Star rookie will look to build on that momentum and keep her team in the playoff race when the Los Angeles Sparks come to town this afternoon.
Sparks vs Mystics same-game parlay (SGP)
Sonia Citron Over 16.5 points
Kiki Iriafen Over 22.5 points+rebounds
Over 171
Citron is just one half of Washington’s star rookie duo, as fellow All-Star Kiki Iriafen has been playing some great basketball in 2025.
Iriafen is averaging 12.7 points and 8.5 rebounds on the season, but over her last five, she’s posted 15.4 points and 9.4 boards. Iriafen has scored in double figures in eight straight, and she’s come up with at least 23 points+rebounds five times in that span. Riding a streak of three straight double-doubles, I expect her to hit the Over on this line again.
The Sparks’ offense has been tremendous this season, but the team’s defense has been the most generous. L.A. has allowed the most points per game at 88.6, but over the last 10, the Sparks have given up a whopping 92.6 points.
Washington has hit the Over in three straight, and Los Angeles has hit the Over in eight of the last 10. Both head-to-head matchups between these teams have gone Over, and I predict the third matchup will yield the same result.
Sparks vs Mystics odds
Sparks vs Mystics live odds
Sparks vs Mystics opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles -3 (-108) | Washington +3 (-112)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -162 | Washington +132
- Over/Under: Over 171 | Under 171
Sparks vs Mystics trend
Los Angeles and Washington have hit the game total Over in each of their head-to-head matchups this season. Find more WNBA betting trends for Sparks vs. Mystics.
How to watch Sparks vs Mystics
| Location | CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | Sunday, August 17, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN3 |
Sparks vs Mystics latest injuries
Sparks: No injuries to report.
Mystics: Georgia Amoore G (Out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
