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The wobbling Las Vegas Aces host an equally struggling Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday. The two-time defending champions have been off-color since the WNBA restart, losing five of their seven games so far. This season has been far from clinical for the Aces who have dropped twice as many games as last edition's scintillating 34-6 run.
The Atlanta Dream's hopes of making the playoffs hinge heavily on a win on Friday night. They won't be out of the woods just yet as the results of the game between the No. 8 Chicago Sky and No. 7 Indiana Fever will play a part in determining their playoff chances.
The visitors are on a three-game losing skid, while the Aces are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have slid to fifth place in the overall standings. Both sides will meet for the third and final time this season and have split the last two games.
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Atlanta Dream vs Las Vegas Aces preview, predicted starting lineups, odds, and prediction
The Dream versus Aces skirmish tips off at 10:00 p.m. ET on ION. Fans can also stream the game live on the WNBA app with a subscription to the WNBA League Pass. Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the matchup.
Spread: Dream +10.5, Aces -10.5
Moneyline: Dream +425, Aces -590
Total (o/u): Dream o165.5 (-110), Aces u165.5 (-110)
Atlanta Dream vs Las Vegas Aces preview
At the outset, the Aces' recent dip in form does not make them title contenders. At best, they are a team pegged to make the playoffs and maybe a deeper run. Their defense has been erratic and was one of the key reasons behind the last-minute lowly loss to the Dallas Wings.
The offense has been mercurial, but the team's defense has been eighth in the league, allowing their opponents to breach the 80-point mark. Their scoring is the best in the WNBA this season, and the two-day break would have given Becky Hammon's side enough time to hit the drawing board and reset.
A'ja Wilson continues to be a force for the Las Vegas Aces this season, and while the side has dropped games, the forward has been averaging 27.1 points per game. She comes off a 42-point explosion, becoming the fourth player after Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart and Maya Moore to have three-plus 40-point games in league history. Kelsey Plum is chipping in with 17.6 ppg, while Jackie Young averages 17.1 ppg.
The Dream is at the bottom of the scoring ladder this season, and that's been their Achilles heel. They also struggle from the deep, and their defense is subpar despite being ranked higher than Las Vegas. Allisa Gray spearheads their offense with 16.0 ppg, while Tina Charles is averaging 14.6 ppg and 9.1 rpg.
Atlanta Dream vs Las Vegas Aces predicted starting lineups
The Dream will likely field Jordin Canada at PG, Allisha Gray at SG, Rhyne Howard and Naz Hillmon on SF and PF duties, and Tina Charles is the five at C.
The Aces will likely remain unchanged: Chelsea Gray at PG and Kelsey Plum at SG to form their formidable backcourt, with Jackie Young at SG, A'ja Wilson at PF, and Kiah Stokes at C round up the rest of the unit.
Atlanta Dream vs Las Vegas Aces prediction
The Las Vegas Aces are clear favorites to get back to winning ways on Friday. A win will see them prepare for sterner tests against the Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty over their next five games. Atlanta will need a win, no matter how gritty it comes. But form and experience favor the hosts, so chalk up a win for Las Vegas.
