Sparks vs. Sacramento

A look at the matchups in the Western Conference finals between the Sparks and Monarchs:

GUARDS: Nikki Teasley and Tamecka Dixon vs. Tichia Penicheiro and Edna Campbell. Penicheiro (6.7) and Teasley (6.3) were first and third among the league’s assist leaders. Both excel in the open court but also make the sound fundamental pass in the half-court game. But Penicheiro’s main strength is passing; Teasley can also score and rebound. Dixon shoots the medium-range jumper and can drive to the basket. Campbell depends more on coming off screens for an open look, but she can be a lethal three-point shooter (41.4%). Advantage: Sparks.

FORWARDS: Mwadi Mabika and DeLisha Milton vs. DeMya Walker and Tangela Smith. Mabika averaged 13 points and five rebounds in the Minnesota series but was most aggressive in the third game. Milton gets little rest defensively after battling Tamika Williams; Walker plays a similar game in which she gets her points on layups or following offensive rebounds. Don’t be fooled by Smith’s one-for-11 effort against Houston on Tuesday; she averaged almost 13 points and six rebounds in the regular season. Advantage (slight): Sparks.

CENTER: Lisa Leslie vs. Yolanda Griffith. Both players are capable of dominating the post. Leslie averaged 22 points against Minnesota despite constant double- and triple-teaming by Lynx defenders. Griffith gave a command performance against Houston in the clincher: 27 points, 17 rebounds. Both are strong, both are physical and both have nasty streaks that grow as a series goes along. Advantage: even.

COACHES: Michael Cooper vs. John Whisenant: Both are intense, although Whisenant is slightly less so. Both have solid starters, and Sacramento will use its reserves more often. Cooper has one edge in that he has been coaching longer in the WNBA than Whisenant, who took over the Monarchs in midseason. Advantage: Sparks.

ANALYSIS: The teams split the regular-season series, 2-2, Los Angeles winning the first two games and Sacramento the last two. The Monarchs will have the same confidence they did against Houston. Still, the Sparks are the champions until someone proves otherwise.

PREDICTION: Sparks in three.

--Mike Terry

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SCHEDULE

Game 1: Friday at Sacramento, 7 p.m.

Game 2: Sunday at Staples Center, 1 p.m.

Game 3 (if necessary): Monday at Staples Center, 7:30 p.m.