On Thursday, August 21, the Las Vegas Aces (22-14) will host the Phoenix Mercury (21-13) in a WNBA regular-season match-up.
The Aces come into this game after a clutch 74-72 win against the gritty Atlanta Dream. A’ja Wilson exploded for 32 points and 12 rebounds, making the last shot of the game with a minute and 15 seconds left.
It helped Aces capture an eighth straight win. They are now 5th in the standings, but a game away from reaching the second spot.
On the other hand, Mercury punched home a come-from-behind 98-91 win over the Golden State Valkyries. 2021 Finals MVP Kahleah Copper led them with 25 points as the team erased a 12-point first-half deficit.
The Mercury is now 4th in the standings, but has an immediate shot at the 2nd spot too.
Which team will win this game with heavy playoff seed implications? Check the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Las Vegas Aces
Aces Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Chelsea Gray | SG: Jackie Young | SF: Kierstan Bell | PF/C: A’ja Wilson | PF/C: NaLyssa Smith
Key bench players: SG: Dana Evans, SG: Jewell Loyd.
Injuries/Updates: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is OUT till the end of the Regular Season but can return during Playoffs.
Phoenix Mercury
Mercury Expected Starting Lineup
SG: Kahleah Copper | SF: Sami Whitcomb | SF/PF: Alyssa Thomas | PF: Natasha Mac | PF/C: Satou Sabally
Key bench players: SF: Kathryn Westbeld, SF: DeWanna Bonner.
Injuries/Updates: Monique Akoa Makani is OUT for the game.
The Aces aren’t among the elite offensive teams. Their engine is revved up primarily by A’ja Wilson, well supported by the playmaking of Chelsea Gray.
Meanwhile, Jackie Young has been a reliable second option, too. At any rate, the Aces usually score 80+ and have held teams below the 82-point mark regularly, too.
On the other hand, the Mercury have recovered offensively after some sub-par efforts. Defensively, they are one of the better teams out there.
Overall, there can be a grinding one simmering here, so I lean on “Under” here.
Total: Under 170.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 170.5 | -110 |
| Spread- Mercury +1.5 | -110 |
| Alyssa Thomas O 9.5 Rebounds | +115 |
| Money Line- Mercury | +105 |
Alyssa Thomas O 8.5 Rebounds: AT continues to be one of the best rebounders in the W. She has hauled in 10 or more rebounds in nine of the last twelve games. I believe she will seize at least 9 boards here.
A’ja Wilson U 23.5 Points: The Aces forward has been the best offensive player since the injury to Napheesa Collier. She is averaging 22.9 PPG and has reeled in 27 or more in six of the last seven games.
But I see the Herculean Mercury defense limiting her below 23.
Kahleah Copper U 15.5 Points: Cooper has been instrumental in multiple Mercury wins. The electric scorer is tallying 16 PPG.
She has had some games below 15 points game though, and I expect Aces’ defense to ensure that again.
Main pick: Alyssa Thomas O 9.5 Rebounds for +115 at BetMGM
The Aces are the hottest team right now. They have roared back just when there were speculations about the final curtain to their dynasty. Wilson has been unconscious in recent days.
The Mercury will need to match that energy when they hit the floor. It has been a big problem for them against elite teams. But I see the wind changing for Phoenix.
I believe they will come up with one of the best efforts this season to break Las Vegas’ streak.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Money Line: Mercury for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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