## Here's Why the Sparks, Mercury Will Be Severely Shorthanded for Regular-Season Series Finale ### Las Vegas Sparks had nine players in uniform for Friday's game against the Dallas Wings, and the number could stay low when they play the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. ### The Sparks already were without Riquna Williams (knee), Nneka Ogwumike (knee) and Chiney Ogwumike (knee). Erica Wheeler also sat out Friday's game with an ankle injury. ### Coach Derek Fisher said he isn't sure how many players will be available for Sunday's game, but it could be as few as seven. ### "We'll see how our bodies respond," Fisher said. "We have a lot of players that are banged up. We'll see who can go." ### The Sparks are coming off a 94-85 loss to the Wings, their fourth loss in five games. The Mercury have lost four of their last five games. ### Sunday's game is the final regular-season game for both teams. The Sparks are 13-21 and in seventh place in the standings. The Mercury are 14-20 and in eighth place. ### Both teams are likely to make the playoffs, but they will need to win their final game to secure a spot. ## Players Who Could Miss Sunday's Game ### Here is a list of players who could miss Sunday's game: * Riquna Williams (knee) * Nneka Ogwumike (knee) * Chiney Ogwumike (knee) * Erica Wheeler (ankle) * Brittney Sykes (ankle) * Arella Guirantes (ankle) * Jordin Canada (knee) ## Conclusion ### With so many players potentially out, Sunday's game could be a very different one than the teams' previous meeting on July 23. ### The Sparks won that game 99-86, but they did so with a full roster. If they are missing multiple players on Sunday, they could be in for a tough game. ### The Mercury will also be shorthanded, but they have a deeper roster than the Sparks. They should be able to withstand the loss of a few players and still be competitive. ### Sunday's game is likely to be a close one, and it could have a major impact on the playoff race.
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