The short-handed Sparks to take on Mercury in 2 games

The Sparks (4-5) and the Phoenix Mercury (5-6) find themselves in similar situations before they face each other twice this week in Los Angeles.

Both teams have had star players go out with injuries. The Sparks are without Nneka Ogwumike (left knee sprain) and the Mercury are missing Diana Taurasi (broken sternum). Both teams fell short of a comeback in their last outings, extending losing streaks. Most of all, both look to get right in the next couple games against a Western Conference rival.

The Mercury lost 85-83 to the New York Liberty Sunday while the Sparks overcame a 14-point deficit against the Minnesota Lynx, only to fall 80-64 on Saturday.

“We show the signs that we need to show to be able to win games like this. It’s just finding more ways to sustain it.” Sparks’ coach Derek Fisher said after Saturdays’ loss to Minnesota. “When you get shorter and shorter on bodies as the game goes on, it makes it a little more challenging.”

The Sparks will be one body shorter after the WNBA’s decision to suspend guard Te’a Cooper onegame for leaving the sideline during an altercation between the two teams.

Cooper recorded a career-high 17 points in Minnesota. The second-year guard serves as an offensive instigator and the Sparks will miss her scoring presence and on-ball defensive energy against Phoenix.

Skylar Diggins-Smith leads Phoenix in scoring (19.4) and Cooper may have gotten the defensive assignment on the four-time AllStar.

“We’re gonna need somebody, multiple sombodies, to replace the activity she provides,” Fisher said.

Erica Wheeler, who left the loss to the Lynx with a head injury, did not enter concussion protocol, Fisher said. She is expected to suit up Wednesday night.

Sparks’ forward Chiney Ogwumike hasn’t played since May 28 with an ankle