'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Las Vegas Aces are finally looking like their old self after the return of Chelsea Gray who was recovering from a foot injury. The point guard's return saw them rattle off three wins on the bounce, and they now have a chance to extend the winning streak when they face the struggling Washington Mystics at the Entertainment and Sports Arena Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 29.
The afternoon matchup sees the 4-14 Mystics host an in-form Las Vegas side that's coming off a 95-83 win over the Chicago Sky. Washington lost a close contest to the Connecticut Sun, and the question is whether they have recovered from the 94-91 thriller.
The Vegas side is more favored on paper and is expected to close out the contest on the road. They won the skirmish when both these sides met last season and Saturday's contest will be the first face-off between these two sides this campaign.
Trending
Las Vegas Aces vs. Washington Mystics: Preview, predicted starting lineups, odds and prediction
The Aces vs. Mystics contest is slated for tip-off at 2 pm ET. Fans can watch the game with local coverage on Monumental Sports Network and Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network. The game can also be streamed live on Fubo and the WNBA app with a subscription to the WNBA league pass. Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the clash:
Spread: Aces -11.5, Mystics +11.5
Moneyline: Aces -874, Mystics +587
Total (o/u): Aces o170.5, Mystics u170.5
Note: Odds could change close to the game
Las Vegas Aces vs. Washington Mystics: Preview
The Aces have rebounded after hitting a slump after they finally managed to hit their stride at the halfway mark. Their offense is settling in with Gray's facilitating and helping Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. A'ja Wilson, at the center, continues to rack up massive numbers each night. Their 102.9 defensive rating is among the top five in the league, and that is a problem for Washington, who are 10th in offensive rating with 97.5.
The Mystics' defense isn't right up there either, as they rank at the bottom of the league. The side has been guilty of not reading the pace of the game and is poor defensively, allowing their opponents 10.7 second-chance points. This has been their bane all season, and the Aces are primed to showcase their offense against a team that's endured a poor run.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Washington Mystics: Predicted starting lineups, rotations, and substitutions
The Washington Mystics are pretty banged up, and at the time of writing, have listed Aaliyah Edwards, Shakira Austin, Brittney Sykes and Karli Samuelson as out.
This means fielding the same starters as the last game with Julie Vanloo and Ariel Atkins at PG and SG. Didi Richards and Myisha Hines-Allen at SF and PF, while Stefanie Dolson plays C. The injuries will also see more minutes for Shatori-Walker Kimbrough, Jade Melbourne and Emily Engstler.
The Aces will likely be without Kierstan Bell, although Rotowire expects her to take the floor on Saturday. With Chelsea Gray back at PG, Kelsey Plum slots back at SG, Jackie Young at SF, A'ja Wilson at PF and Kiah Stokes at C to form the starting five.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Washington Mystics: Prediction
The Las Vegas Aces are the potential winners of this matchup. They are well-rounded and were more consistent in their last three games, and have worked on their offensive chinks. The Mystics will struggle against their potent three-pronged attack. Chalk up a win for the defending champs on Saturday.
