Chicago Sky Defeats Los Angeles Sparks 96-82
Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Wintrust Arena
Chicago Sky 96, Los Angeles Sparks 82, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Sparks vs Chicago Sky?
Chicago Sky beat Los Angeles Sparks 96-82 at Wintrust Arena on July 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs Chicago Sky?
Chicago Sky were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Chicago Sky secured a 96-82 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Wintrust Arena. This win marked a significant moment for the Sky, who improved their record to 10-16, while the Sparks fell to 10-15. The game showcased the Sky's ability to bounce back after a previous loss to the Sparks just days earlier, where they had suffered a 87-102 defeat.
The Sky's recent form has been a mixed bag, with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, but they are currently on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 91.9 points scored per game while allowing 91.6 points during this stretch. Their home record stands at 3-1 in their last four games, showing a strong performance at Wintrust Arena. In contrast, the Sparks have struggled recently, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games and currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 87.4 points scored while allowing a higher 96.8 points per game during this period. The Sparks have not won a game in their last five away matches, highlighting their difficulties on the road.
Historically, the Sky have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Sparks, winning the series 2-1 this season. Their last encounter before this game ended in a loss for the Sky, but they had previously won two consecutive games against the Sparks in the 2025 season, including a notable 97-86 victory at home.
In terms of injuries, the Sky were significantly impacted, missing key players Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Rickea Jackson, all of whom were out due to various injuries. The Sparks also faced challenges with Aaliyah Nye being out for non-injury-related reasons. The absence of these players undoubtedly affected both teams' strategies and performance on the court.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Sky favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 182.5. The odds reflected the Sky's recent home advantage, despite their overall record. The home moneyline was priced at -142.0, while the away moneyline for the Sparks was at 120.0.
The game conditions were conducive for a competitive matchup, with both teams looking to assert themselves in the playoff race. As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Sky's offensive capabilities, particularly in the fourth quarter. Notable moments included free throws from Courtney Vandersloot and a driving layup from Natasha Cloud, which helped solidify the Sky's lead.
Overall, this game served as a crucial turning point for the Chicago Sky, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform at home, while the Sparks continued to seek answers to their recent struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CHI -2.5 | 182.5 o -108 / u -112 | Los Angeles Sparks +120 · Chicago Sky -142 |
Injury report
- Skylar DigginsOutKneeChicago Sky
- DiJonai CarringtonOutFootChicago Sky
- Rickea JacksonOutKneeChicago Sky
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsSydney Taylor19Chicago Sky
- AssistsNatasha Cloud9Chicago Sky
- ReboundsKamilla Cardoso11Chicago Sky
- PointsNneka Ogwumike18Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsRae Burrell5Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsNneka Ogwumike12Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Chicago Sky
Last 10: 4-6Streak W191.9 scored · 91.6 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W95-90vs Seattle StormJul 15
- L91-96at Dallas WingsJul 12
- L87-102at Los Angeles SparksJul 11
- W77-66at Phoenix MercuryJul 8
- L90-98at Las Vegas AcesJul 4
- L99-107vs Las Vegas AcesJun 28
- W124-94vs Portland FireJun 26
- W101-78vs Portland FireJun 25
- L63-92at Connecticut SunJun 22
- L92-93at Dallas WingsJun 21
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L287.4 scored · 96.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- L87-96at Minnesota LynxJul 15
- L92-101at Atlanta DreamJul 13
- W102-87vs Chicago SkyJul 11
- W106-92vs Indiana FeverJul 9
- L64-82vs Seattle StormJul 7
- L87-111at Indiana FeverJun 28
- L97-125at Toronto TempoJun 25
- W98-97vs New York LibertyJun 22
- L83-99vs Minnesota LynxJun 18
- L58-78at Golden State ValkyriesJun 16
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Sparks | Chicago Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-65 | 37-80 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 6-26 | 11-32 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 34 |
| Free throws | 18-23 | 11-16 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 26 |
| Assists | 20 | 27 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 42 |
| Fouls | 17 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 19 | 75 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter49-61Natasha Cloud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-61Cameron Brink makes driving layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-62Sydney Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-63Sydney Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-65Courtney Vandersloot makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter54-65Chance Gray makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-65Erica Wheeler makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter56-65Cameron Brink makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter57-65Cameron Brink makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-65Ariel Atkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-65Ariel Atkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-67Jacy Sheldon makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter59-69Courtney Vandersloot makes running layup (Jacy Sheldon assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-69Cameron Brink makes 24-foot jump bank shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-69Dearica Hamby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-71Kamilla Cardoso makes layup (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter63-74Jacy Sheldon makes 23-foot three point jumper (Azura Stevens assists)
- 4th Quarter63-77Natasha Cloud makes 24-foot three pointer (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter63-78Azura Stevens makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-79Kamilla Cardoso makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter66-79Ariel Atkins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter66-80Azura Stevens makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-80Erica Wheeler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter68-80Erica Wheeler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter68-82Kamilla Cardoso makes driving layup (Jacy Sheldon assists)
- 4th Quarter70-82Dearica Hamby makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter72-82Nneka Ogwumike makes 2-foot layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter72-84Natasha Cloud makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter74-84Rae Burrell makes 2-foot layup (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 4th Quarter74-87Natasha Cloud makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter76-87Erica Wheeler makes 10-foot pullup jump shot (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter76-90Courtney Vandersloot makes 24-foot three point jumper (Azura Stevens assists)
- 4th Quarter76-91Courtney Vandersloot makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-92Courtney Vandersloot makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-92Jihyun Park makes 9-foot pullup jump shot (Chance Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter78-94Kamilla Cardoso makes 2-foot layup (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 4th Quarter79-94Cameron Brink makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-94Cameron Brink makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-96Natasha Cloud makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-96Ariel Atkins makes 2-foot two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Sky, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- Wintrust ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance8123
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Ryan Sassano, Kelsey Reynolds
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Chicago Sky Defeats Los Angeles Sparks 95-88Aug 5, 2026
- Sparks Triumph Over Sky 102-87 in WNBA MatchupJul 10, 2026