Candace Parker to return Sunday

Sparks forward Candace Parker, who has been sidelined during training camp and the season's first eight games while on maternity leave, will play in Sunday's game against the Phoenix Mercury at Staples Center.

Sparks Coach Michael Cooper said she will come off the bench, and that her minutes will depend on her comfort level and production.

Parker, last year's league MVP and rookie of the year, returned to practice on Tuesday and will join a lineup that had already dealt with the absence of center Lisa Leslie. She sprained her right knee on June 19 against the Mercury.

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