Lynx-Sparks preview

Biggest game of WNBA season so far on tap

Preview: The Lynx (24-6) have clinched a spot in the WNBA playoff semifinals, and as their magic number to clinch the top overall seed is two, they will do so by winning this game. F Maya Moore scored 24 points to lead the Lynx to an 89-70 victory at San Antonio on Friday. The Sparks (23-8) are coming off an 82-67 victory at Phoenix on Thursday. The victory was the fourth consecutive for the Sparks, who are 8-2 in their past 10 games. The Lynx and Sparks have split their two meetings this season, both at Xcel Energy Center. The Lynx won 88-77 on July 6, while the Sparks won 70-64 on Aug. 11.

Players to watch: Lynx C Sylvia Fowles has had three consecutive double-doubles. Lynx F Natasha Howard, who is averaging 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, has 23 points and 17 rebounds in the past two games. Howard had 11 points and nine rebounds in a season-high 26 minutes Friday. The Sparks have been led by the duo of F Nneka Ogwumike (19.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game) and F/C Candace Parker (16.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg). Sparks G Odyssey Sims scored a season-high 28 points Thursday.

Numbers: The Lynx and Sparks are the WNBA's top two defensive teams. The Lynx are allowing 73.9 points per game, while the Sparks are allowing 76.3.

Injuries: Lynx F Rebekkah Brunson (ankle) is questionable and G Lindsay Whalen (hand) is out.

JOEL RIPPEL