Sparks to Catch Starzz Without Azzi in Opener

The Los Angeles Sparks launch their fourth WNBA season tonight at the Great Western Forum, taking on a Utah team that was a troublesome Western Conference opponent last season but won’t have injured guard Jennifer Azzi available.

The Sparks had the WNBA’s second-best record at 20-12 last summer but were only 2-2 against the 15-17 Starzz.

Other than the strength and consistency of all-star forward Natalie Williams, a principal reason for Utah’s success against L.A. has been 33-year-old guard Adrienne Goodson, who scored 15, 18, 16 and 20 points from the perimeter. Spark Coach Michael Cooper hopes to deploy a new defensive scheme to reduce those numbers.

It’s expected that with 6-foot-5 rookie Paige Sauer joining 6-5 Lisa Leslie in the low post, and with help from 6-5 backup Clarisse Machanguana, 6-1 forward DeLisha Milton can be sent to the perimeter to contain the slashing Goodson, the league’s 10th-leading scorer a year ago at 14.9 points a game.

The Sparks’ three 6-5 inside players will be busy enough, with the 6-2 Williams, a 2000 U.S. Olympian along with Leslie and Milton, and 7-2 Margo Dydek.

Cooper will start Leslie and Milton inside, Mwadi Mabika at the wing, and Ukari Figgs and Tamecka Dixon in the backcourt.

Utah has had a major upgrade since last year. Coach Fred Williams acquired Azzi from Detroit, but Azzi broke her hand in an exhibition game and won’t return for at least another month.

The Sparks cut UCLA rookie Carly Funicello Tuesday morning, bringing their roster to 12, with Arizona rookie Marte Alexander on the injured list.