Rickea Jackson is set to make her return to the LA Sparks lineup tonight after missing three games due to a concussion suffered early in the 2025 season. The Sparks will face the Atlanta Dream at the Crypto.com Arena, with Jackson’s comeback expected to strengthen the team’s frontcourt and overall offensive presence.

Jackson’s injury occurred in the Sparks’ second game, following a collision with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith. Prior to the injury, she had shown promising performance in the initial games, scoring 13 points with five rebounds and three assists in the season opener against the Golden State Valkyries, which helped secure the Sparks’ first victory of the year. In the following matchup before her injury, she contributed eight points and three rebounds.

Despite her absence, the Sparks remain one of the top offensive teams in the league, holding a top-five offensive rating through five games. Jackson’s return is anticipated to further boost the squad’s scoring capabilities. Last season, Jackson, a second-year player from Tennessee, averaged 13.4 points per game while shooting 45.6% from the field during her rookie campaign. Beyond her statistics, she brings valuable intangibles that have impressed the coaching staff.

Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts praised Jackson’s style and impact during the team’s media day, emphasizing her smooth skills and ability to make challenging plays appear effortless.

“She’s a smooth person, smooth athlete, smooth basketball player,” Roberts said. “She makes hard things look really easy.” —Lynne Roberts, Head Coach

As Jackson steps back onto the court, the Sparks will be looking to propel their record to an even 3-3 this season, relying on her to help maintain offensive momentum and team cohesion during crucial stretches of play.

Jackson Energizes Fans Ahead of Her Return During Home Game

Before rejoining the lineup, Jackson made an appearance at the Sparks’ recent home game versus the Chicago Sky. After the team’s 91-78 victory—marking their second win of the season—she energized the crowd by playfully throwing a shirt into the stands, signaling her readiness to return and contribute.

Sparks supporters are eager to see Jackson back on the court, hoping her scoring and dynamic play will continue to drive the team toward more victories as the season progresses.