SPARKS TONIGHT

at Washington, 4 PDT

Site -- Verizon Center.

Records -- Sparks 4-2, Mystics 1-8.

Record vs. Mystics (2006) -- 1-1.

Update -- The Sparks face a team that has dealt with as many, if not more, early-season issues as they have. The Mystics, winless until Wednesday, posted an 86-69 victory over the Phoenix Mercury behind former Duke standouts Monique Currie and Alana Beard. Currie, who scored a career-high 25 points, will be playing in her fourth game with the Mystics since being traded from Chicago in exchange for center Chasity Melvin. The sudden, postgame trade of Melvin, along with the Mystics’ on-court struggles and his own contract-negotiation problems, prompted the resignation last week of coach Richie Adubato. The Mystics also were hit with the sudden retirement of former American Basketball League rookie of the year Crystal Robinson, now serving as an assistant coach instead of playing. The Sparks, also finding their way after the surprise retirement of Chamique Holdsclaw, are relying more on guard Marta Fernandez, who showed promise running the point in a 74-71 victory over Houston on Wednesday and is averaging 11.5 points and 5.1 assists.

-- Lauren Peterson