Tom Oldfield
• Betting Analyst
22+ years betting experience
Updated:
May 15, 2026 , 06:44 PM ET
• 4 min read
The Los Angeles Sparks are off to an underwhelming start, and that opens the door for the Toronto Tempo to crank up the pressure tonight.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3).
The Toronto Tempo are off the mark in their debut WNBA season, but they’ll be put to the test tonight against a much-hyped Los Angeles Sparks team that’s looking for its first win of the year.
Toronto held off the Seattle Storm in midweek for a marquee franchise moment, and my Tempo vs Sparks predictions expect Sandy Brondello’s squad to make L.A. sweat tonight.
Get a closer look at this contest with my free WNBA picks for Friday, May 15.
Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the game airing on ESPN and ION.
Tempo vs Sparks prediction
Tempo vs Sparks best bet: Tempo +7.5 (-110)
While the offense remains a work in progress beyond Marina Mabrey’s fireworks, the Toronto Tempo defensive grit has jumped off the screen in its first two contests, holding both opponents to fewer than 75 points.
The early signs have been grimmer for the Los Angeles Sparks, who gave up 105 points in their season opener and were only marginally better in Wednesday’s loss to Indiana.
Dating back to last season, the Sparks are now 3-7 ATS in their past 10 games, and they’ll be without key guard Ariel Atkins (concussion protocol) tonight.
COVERS INTEL: Through two games, the Sparks are allowing opponents to shoot 56% from the field — and 70% on 2-pointers.Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account 
Tempo vs Sparks same-game parlay
Brittney Sykes’ impact was felt all over the box score against Seattle, including 18 points and eight rebounds, and the Tempo will need that same intensity to stay in touch with the run-and-gun Sparks tonight. I like this Over on 4.5 boards, especially if chunks of the game are played at L.A.’s pace.
Toronto’s lockdown defense has been a feature of its first two outings, and the visitors have multiple options to throw at Nneka Ogwumike, who was limited to just 10 points against the Fever in midweek.
With Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby established as the Sparks’ top two scoring options, Ogwumike may have to take a back seat. I’ll fade the veteran’s points prop tonight.
Tempo vs Sparks SGP
- Tempo +7.5
- Brittney Sykes Over 4.5 rebounds
- Nneka Ogwumike Under 17.5 points
Tempo vs Sparks first basket scorer: Kelsey Plum (+700)
With the Sparks desperate to land a win at home before a four-game road trip, I expect Kelsey Plum to come out firing for the hosts.
She’s scored 25+ points in her first two outings, so don’t be surprised if L.A. rides that hot hand on the opening possessions, particularly without Atkins as another scoring threat.
Plum knocked down four 3-pointers in the season opener, and her jump shot will be key in unpicking a stubborn Toronto defense.
Tom Oldfield’s 2026 Transparency Record
- Best bet: 2-3, -0.85 units
- SGP: 2-3, +3.75 units
- First basket: 0-5, -5.0 units
Tempo vs Sparks odds
- Spread: Tempo +7.5 (-110) | Sparks -7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Tempo +270 | Sparks -340
- Over/Under: Over 170.5 (-110) | Under 170.5 (-110)
Tempo vs Sparks trend
The Under has been a winning ticket in four of the Sparks’ last six games at Crypto.com Arena. Find more WNBA betting trends.
How to watch Tempo vs Sparks
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, May 15, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN, ION |
Tempo vs Sparks latest injuries
Tempo: No key injuries to report.
Sparks: No key injuries to report.
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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