SPARKS TODAY

vs. Houston, 1 p.m.

ESPN 2

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KPLS (830).

Records--Sparks 12-1, Comets 11-3.

Record vs. Comets--1-0.

Update--This game has more subplots than the Soap Opera Channel. The Comets want to end the Sparks’ 28-game home winning streak, because Los Angeles is the only team to beat Houston on its home court this season. Sheryl Swoopes, who has received the most All-Star fan votes, knows a big game against the Sparks validates her MVP campaign before a national television audience now that Chamique Holdsclaw has an ankle injury. And Swoopes is the player who most concerns the Sparks. Need more? Houston trails Los Angeles by 1 1/2 games in the Western Conference as the WNBA season approaches its halfway point.

Tickets--(877) 962-2849, (213) 480-3232.