Sparks Tonight

By EARL GUSTKEY

July 23, 1998 12 AM PT

vs. Phoenix Mercury

7:30 p.m.

* Site: Great Western Forum.

* Radio: KLAC (570).

* Records: Phoenix 12-5, Sparks 5-11.

* Update: Lisa Leslie was was listed as only “possible” for tonight’s game against the Mercury. The Sparks, already missing prime players Allison Feaster (broken foot) and Haixia Zheng (knee surgery), can ill afford to lose the WNBA’s leading rebounder. Leslie injured an ankle, groin and wrist Tuesday after a collision with New York’s Kym Hampton, who then fell on her late in New York’s 92-77 win over the Sparks. Leslie was examined Wednesday morning, did not practice, and was to have been examined again Wednesday evening. Tonight’s game ends the Sparks’ four-game home stand. The team returns home to play Phoenix again July 31.