Sarah Ashlee

Barker

Barker efficiently shot her way to a career-high in points in the Sparks’ season finale against the Aces. Her total on Thursday was more than her combined amount over the previous 18 games. She logged a productive nine-point third quarter to help get her new high in points before finishing with two more in the final frame. With the Sparks falling short of a postseason appearance, the rookie guard will go into the offseason having played one of the best games of her young WNBA career.

With Rickea Jackson (leg) and Julie Allemand (ankle) out on Thursday, Burrell and Barker will start in their place for the Sparks in their season finale. The Sparks were eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday, so Jackson’s and Allemand’s inactive statuses shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as they battle injuries. With one game left in the season, the Sparks will have a chance to finish with a .500 record if they can defeat the Aces on Thursday.

Jackson and Allemand are the only two players on the Sparks’ injury report ahead of their season finale on Thursday. Both players participated in the Sparks’ most recent game against the Mercury on Tuesday. Yet, with Los Angeles now officially eliminated from playoff contention, the statuses of the two players ahead of their matchup with the Aces will be worth monitoring. Should either player miss Thursday’s game, Rae Burrell, Julie Vanloo and Sarah Ashlee Barker would all be candidates to fill in as starters.

Jackson left the Sparks’ Tuesday night game against the Mercury at the end of the third quarter with an apparent left ankle injury. While she returned to the game in the middle of the fourth quarter on Tuesday, Jackson remains questionable on Friday night. Head coach Lynne Roberts told reporters pregame that if Jackson can’t play that Rae Burrell will take her spot in the starting lineup. Expect guard Julie Vanloo and wing Sarah Ashlee Barker to get some more minutes on the floor if Jackson if unavailable.

Sims will miss her fifth game in a row when the Sparks visit the Fever on Thursday. The veteran guard had been a key contributor on the offensive end for Los Angeles in the 11 games she appeared in prior to taking time away from the team. Shey Peddy will start in Sims’ spot, while Sarah Ashlee Barker should see some additional opportunities.

Sims remains away from the team for personal reasons, with the veteran guard having last appeared in a game on June 11. While Sarah Ashlee Barker was her initial replacement in the starting lineup, Shey Peddy took on that role for Saturday’s loss to the Lynx. Peddy should remain the starter, but Barker will also figure prominently in the Sparks’ rotation.

Back in the Sparks’ starting lineup after missing Tuesday’s loss to Seattle, Plum played 39 of a possible 40 minutes on Saturday. That workload may be a positive sign regarding the veteran guard’s left leg injury. However, Plum struggled with her shot against the stout Lynx defense, shooting 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. Sarah Ashlee Barker, who moved to the bench with Plum available, also struggled against the team with the WNBA’s best record. Shooting 2-of-8 from the field, the rookie finished with five points, one assist and one three-pointer in 23 minutes. Los Angeles will look to bounce back when they visit the struggling Sky on Tuesday.

After missing Tuesday’s loss to the Storm with a left leg injury, Plum is available and will occupy her usual place in the starting lineup. However, she has bumped Sarah Ashlee Barker to the bench, while Peddy will remain in the starting lineup. Peddy’s defensive ability has the potential to be invaluable to the Sparks, who remain without Odyssey Sims (personal).

Sims remains away from the team while attending to a personal matter. The good news for the Sparks is that Kelsey Plum (knee) is not on the injury report for Saturday’s game, and her return will undoubtedly give the team a needed boost. Sarah Ashlee Barker has replaced Sims in the starting lineup and should retain that role until the veteran returns.

After finishing Saturday’s loss to the Lynx with more turnovers (five) than shot attempts (two), Barker was far more active offensively in her second start for the absent Odyssey Sims (personal). The rookie guard established season-highs in points and field-goal attempts, scoring in double figures for the first time as a pro. With Kelsey Plum (knee) also out, there will continue to be additional opportunities for Barker to score. While she isn’t a must-add in standard fantasy leagues, managers in deeper formats should consider Barker ahead of Saturday’s game against the Lynx if the Sparks remain as shorthanded as they currently are.