Mystics Secure Victory Over Sparks in Close Contest
Saturday, August 15, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · CareFirst Arena
Washington Mystics 80, Los Angeles Sparks 70, 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 Washington Mystics?
Washington Mystics beat Los Angeles Sparks 80-70 at CareFirst Arena on August 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs Washington Mystics?
Washington Mystics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -290 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Washington Mystics defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 80-70 at the CareFirst Arena. This victory not only marked an important win for the Mystics but also allowed them to maintain a strong home record of 20-14 for the season. The Mystics have had a solid performance at home, boasting a home record of 6-0 in their last six games, although they have recently faced challenges, losing their last two outings against the Las Vegas Aces prior to this game.
The Mystics' recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, averaging 85.4 points scored while allowing 82.4 points. In their last five games, they have averaged 84.4 points scored and 82.0 points allowed, reflecting a competitive edge, especially at home. In contrast, the Sparks have struggled significantly this season, finishing with a record of 12-22. Their recent form has been disappointing, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games, and they are currently on a three-game losing streak. The Sparks have averaged 88.4 points scored but have allowed a concerning 92.6 points during this stretch.
Historically, the Mystics and Sparks have faced each other multiple times, with the Sparks leading the series 2-1 this season. In previous meetings, the Mystics have had mixed results, winning one game in a high-scoring affair last season but losing the last two encounters. The most recent game between the two teams prior to this matchup was on May 29, 2026, where the Mystics fell short with a score of 87-92.
In terms of player availability, the Sparks were without Aaliyah Nye, who was listed as out for not injury-related reasons. This absence may have contributed to their struggles on the court. On the other hand, the Mystics were able to field their full roster, which likely played a role in their ability to secure the win.
The betting market reflected the Mystics' favorable position heading into the game, with DraftKings listing them as 7.5-point favorites. The total points for the game were set at 173.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring environment. The home moneyline was set at -290.0, while the away moneyline for the Sparks was at 235.0.
Conditions during the game were likely conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams vying for crucial points as the season progresses. The Mystics' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage was evident, as they maintained control throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter.
In the closing moments of the game, the Mystics' Shakira Austin made significant contributions, including a layup and crucial free throws that helped seal the victory. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter showcased a mix of free throws and key shots, with the Mystics extending their lead and ultimately securing the win.
Overall, the Mystics' performance highlighted their strengths at home and their ability to bounce back from recent losses, while the Sparks continue to search for answers as they navigate a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WSH -7.5 | 173.5 o -108 / u -112 | Los Angeles Sparks +235 · Washington Mystics -290 |
Injury report
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsSonia Citron21Washington Mystics
- AssistsSonia Citron8Washington Mystics
- ReboundsShakira Austin11Washington Mystics
- PointsRae Burrell20Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsTonie Morgan6Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsNneka Ogwumike7Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Washington Mystics
Last 10: 7-3Streak L285.4 scored · 82.4 allowed per game6-0 at home
- L76-83at Las Vegas AcesAug 14
- L76-86at Las Vegas AcesAug 12
- W95-75vs Phoenix MercuryAug 9
- W79-74vs Atlanta DreamAug 7
- W96-92vs Dallas WingsAug 5
- W81-75vs Dallas WingsJul 31
- W92-84vs Connecticut SunJul 28
- W100-99vs Las Vegas AcesJul 22
- W90-82at Golden State ValkyriesJul 21
- L69-74at Golden State ValkyriesJul 19
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L388.4 scored · 92.6 allowed per game2-4 away
- L81-85at New York LibertyAug 14
- L87-94vs Phoenix MercuryAug 12
- L78-84vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 9
- W89-82at Minnesota LynxAug 7
- L88-95at Chicago SkyAug 6
- W106-101at Portland FireAug 2
- L109-113vs New York LibertyJul 29
- L82-86vs Phoenix MercuryJul 22
- L82-90at Dallas WingsJul 19
- L82-96at Chicago SkyJul 17
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 | Washington Mystics |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-61 | 34-72 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 9-26 | 4-21 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 19 |
| Free throws | 13-16 | 8-12 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 3 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 32 |
| Assists | 20 | 23 |
| Steals | 11 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 60 |
| Fouls | 18 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 39 | 51 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter42-41Erica Wheeler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-41Rae Burrell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-41Dearica Hamby makes running layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-43Lauren Betts makes 1-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter49-43Rae Burrell makes 3-foot reverse layup (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-43Nneka Ogwumike makes running layup (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-43Nneka Ogwumike makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-45Kiki Iriafen makes layup (Betnijah Laney-Hamilton assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-47Kiki Iriafen makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter52-49Alicia Florez makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter52-50Sonia Citron makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter52-51Kiki Iriafen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-51Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-51Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-51Dearica Hamby makes 5-foot layup (Tonie Morgan assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-51Rae Burrell makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter58-53Shakira Austin makes 1-foot layup (Sonia Citron assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-55Cassandre Prosper makes running layup (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter61-55Alissa Pili makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tonie Morgan assists)
- 4th Quarter61-58Sonia Citron makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cassandre Prosper assists)
- 4th Quarter62-58Ariel Atkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter62-60Cotie McMahon makes driving layup (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter62-61Cotie McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-61Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-61Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-63Lauren Betts makes layup (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter64-65Shakira Austin makes layup (Lauren Betts assists)
- 4th Quarter64-67Sonia Citron makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Cassandre Prosper assists)
- 4th Quarter66-67Nneka Ogwumike makes 6-foot jumper
- 4th Quarter66-69Sonia Citron makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-71Shakira Austin makes 1-foot layup (Sonia Citron assists)
- 4th Quarter68-71Rae Burrell makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter69-71Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter69-74Sonia Citron makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter69-75Cassandre Prosper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-76Cassandre Prosper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-76Dearica Hamby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-78Shakira Austin makes layup (Kiki Iriafen assists)
- 4th Quarter70-79Shakira Austin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-80Shakira Austin makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Washington Mystics, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- CareFirst ArenaWashington, DC
- Attendance4200
- OfficialsAngelica Suffren, Ashley Gloss, Genesis Perrymond
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Sparks Edge Mystics in Thrilling FinishAug 28, 2026
- Sparks Edge Mystics in Thrilling FinishMay 29, 2026