Plum’s probable return shakes up Sparks’ playoff push

Kelsey Plum is listed as probable to return Friday night, ending a three-game absence for the Los Angeles Sparks after a right ankle sprain. The team hopes her comeback can jump-start a sputtering offense that has dropped two straight games without her. Sparks head coach said Plum has been cleared for full contact and is expected to play significant minutes.

Her return comes at a pivotal moment as the Sparks sit on the playoff bubble with four games left in the regular season. Plum’s absence forced a reshuffle of the rotation, with younger guards stepping into larger roles and struggling to replicate her scoring and playmaking. The Sparks’ defense also dipped in her absence, surrendering 104 points per game over the three losses.

Plum’s impact is undeniable: she leads the Sparks in scoring and assists, and her perimeter shooting stretches defenses. Her return could stabilize a team that’s been outscored by 15 points per game in her absence. The Sparks need every edge as they chase a top-four finish in the West.

The Western Conference playoff race is tighter than ever, with the ninth-place team just three games behind the eighth seed. A single win could shift the standings dramatically, making Plum’s return a potential game-changer. The Sparks’ offensive identity has revolved around Plum’s ability to create off the dribble and hit from deep.

Without her, the team has leaned on post-ups and isolation plays, which have produced inconsistent results. Her return could re-establish the team’s preferred pace and spacing, forcing opponents to account for her shooting range and playmaking. The Sparks’ front office likely views this as a low-risk, high-reward scenario given the stakes.

Plum’s probable tag signals optimism, but ankle injuries carry lingering risk. The Sparks’ medical staff will monitor her workload closely, especially in a back-to-back set to close the regular season. A full recovery is critical, but even a partial return could provide the lift needed to secure a playoff berth.

Historically, guards returning from ankle sprains often need 2-3 games to regain full explosiveness, which could temper immediate expectations despite the probable listing. The Sparks’ schedule down the stretch is brutal: three of their final four games are on the road, including a matchup against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. Plum’s return could mitigate some of the travel fatigue that has plagued the team, particularly for a point guard whose endurance is vital in fast-paced games.

Her presence might also ease the burden on Nneka Ogwumike, who has shouldered more offensive load in Plum’s absence, potentially extending her longevity in the rotation. What's next: Plum’s minutes Friday will be scrutinized. If she logs 25+ minutes without issue, the Sparks could ride her rhythm into the final stretch of the regular season. Read at ESPN