The Las Vegas Aces head to CareFirst Arena on Saturday afternoon to face the Washington Mystics in a 3:00 PM EDT showdown, airing on Monumental Sports Network. Tickets start as low as $15, giving D.C. fans a chance to catch this high-stakes clash. The Aces, with a 23-14 record, are 4.5-point road favorites with an over/under of 162.5 points, riding a nine-game win streak. The Mystics, at 16-20, are battling for playoff positioning but are coming off a rough stretch, dropping two straight to the league-worst Connecticut Sun. With Washington holding a 2-1 edge in the season series, this fourth and final meeting is set to be a banger.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Chelsea Gray runs the Aces’ offense with poise, averaging 5.8 assists and 8.6 points, delivering clutch plays as always. Veronica Burton leads the Mystics with 5.4 assists, bringing defensive intensity but needing to avoid turnovers against Vegas’ pressure.
Shooting Guard – Jewell Loyd is Las Vegas’ perimeter spark, averaging 18.7 points and hitting a game-winning three in their last outing. Sonia Citron counters for Washington with 13.3 points, a rookie star who’s been consistent with double-digit scoring in her last 10 games.
Small Forward – Jackie Young gives the Aces versatility, averaging 16.6 points and 4.5 assists, fresh off a 12-point, five-rebound performance. Alysha Clark anchors the Mystics with veteran savvy and defensive grit, though she’ll need to match Young’s offensive output.
Power Forward – Alysha Clark provides Las Vegas with hustle and timely shooting, though she’s less of a focal point. Shakira Austin is Washington’s X-factor, averaging 12.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, but her availability is questionable after an ejection in their last game.
Center – A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ MVP, dominates with 22.8 points and 10.1 rebounds, coming off a 32-point, 12-rebound masterpiece. Kiki Iriafen holds it down for the Mystics with 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds, though containing Wilson will be a tall order.
Game Outlook
The Aces are the WNBA’s hottest team, winning nine straight and ranking seventh in scoring (82.6 PPG) while holding opponents to 82.0 PPG (eighth). Washington, despite their 2-1 series lead, is struggling, with a 10th-ranked offense (78.6 PPG) and sixth-ranked defense (80.6 PPG allowed). The Mystics pulled off a 70-68 upset on July 10, led by Brittney Sykes’ 18 points, but Las Vegas dominated their last meeting, 75-72, on May 23, with Jackie Young’s 25 points and Jewell Loyd’s clutch three. Both teams play at a moderate pace, but the Aces’ star power and momentum make them tough to stop. If Austin is out or limited, Washington will lean heavily on Citron and Iriafen, but Vegas’ depth should shine through.
Best Bets
- Las Vegas Aces -4.5 – The Aces’ nine-game win streak and Wilson’s dominance make them a strong bet to cover on the road against a slumping Mystics squad.
- Under 162.5 Total Points – Washington’s offensive struggles and the Aces’ solid defense suggest a game that could stay under this total.
- A’ja Wilson Over 22.5 Points – Wilson’s cleared this mark in 18 of her last 20 games and should feast against Washington’s frontcourt.
Final Score Prediction
Las Vegas Aces 84 – Washington Mystics 77
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