One of the differences between the WNBA and NBA is it is extremely rare for a WNBA team to play on consecutive days. The Los Angeles Sparks haven't played without rest this season - until today.

The Sparks defeated New York, 84-74, at home Sunday and now face an improved Phoenix Mercury squad. This will be the Sparks' third game in four days. LA had four players that logged more than 32 minutes yesterday against the Liberty.

The Sparks have nine wins, same as Phoenix, and haven't won three in a row all year. LA likely won't have Kristi Toliver, who suffered a calf injury early in Sunday's game and didn't return.

The Mercury have underachieved given their talent level especially in the backcourt with Skylar Diggins-Smith, Diana Taurasi and Diamond DeShields. But Phoenix's chemistry may have changed for the better after the team released Tina Charles on June 25. Charles, a former WNBA MVP, had signed with the Mercury in February. Her production was down and so were her minutes.

Since Charles' departure, the Mercury have gone 3-1 SU and ATS with their only loss coming to defending champion Chicago, which has the best record in the league at 15-5.

Note, too, that the Mercury beat the Sparks, 81-74, in Phoenix on June 5 during the previous meeting. Charles did not play in that game.