What happened: CBS Sports' latest WNBA Power Rankings has the Los Angeles Sparks climbing even after dismissing their general manager ahead of the trade deadline, while the Dallas Wings move up on the strength of a five-game winning streak. The rankings frame both clubs as trending upward for different reasons within the same week.

Why it matters: The Sparks now approach the trade deadline without the front-office voice that had been driving their recent trade calls, raising the stakes on whoever takes over those decisions. The Wings' five-game run gives them positioning heading into the deadline stretch as well.

What to watch: Watch how the Sparks handle trade-deadline moves without a permanent GM in place, and whether the Wings can extend their winning streak past five.