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The Las Vegas Aces will look to make a surge in the WNBA standings as they take on the Minnesota Lynx twice in the next three days. On Wednesday, the two teams square off at Michelob ULTRA Arena, before the action moves to Minnesota on Friday at Target Center.
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The Lynx resumed their WNBA restart with two wins against the Washington Mystics. Meanwhile, the Aces (17-9) went down to the New York Liberty but bounced back with a win over the LA Sparks to take fourth place in the WNBA standings. Minnesota (19-8) sits third in the overall standings and top of the Western Conference standings.
Minnesota is one of the teams pegged to make the playoffs, and their impressive defense has been the key factor for their solid run so far. The Aces and Lynx have split their previous two meetings this season with each team winning their respective away games.
Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas Aces: Preview, prediction, starting lineup, and odds
Tip-off between the two teams is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The game will be televised live on ION, and fans can watch the clash on the WNBA app with a subscription to the WNBA League Pass. Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the marquee midweek matchup.
Spread: Lynx +5.5, Aces -5.5
Moneyline: Lynx +210, Aces -265
Total (o/u): Lynx o167 (-110), Aces u167 (-112)
Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas Aces: Preview
The Minnesota Lynx had an impressive first half to the season, cementing themselves as a team to beat this season. Their 93.4 defensive efficiency has been elite as they lead the WNBA in that aspect. They are allowing a paltry 28.5% of their opponent's shots to find the net. Their perimeter defense has also been effective, allowing just 27.9% of shots to go through.
Napheesa Collier has been their standout player this season. The former UConn star has been propping up the numbers, averaging 20.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Kayla McBride has been impactful as well with 16.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.4 apg. The well-rounded unit has also seen Courtney Williams (10.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 5.3 apg) and Alanna Smith (11.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 apg) chip in with substantial contributions.
The Las Vegas Aces have stuttered a bit this season, but the two-time defending champions have remained strong contenders to defend their title. They are second in offensive efficiency (105.9) and fifth in defensive efficiency (99.5) this season. A'ja Wilson has been their star performer, averaging 27.3 ppg 12.0 rpg and 2.0 spg.
Furthermore for Las Vegas, Kelsey Plum regained her shooting touch and is notching up 18.2 ppg 4.5 apg and 2.2 rpg, while Jackie Young is a close third with 17.6 ppg, 5.3 apg and 4.6 rpg. On the game front, both sides have no players currently listed on their injury reports.
Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas Aces: Predicted starting lineup
Expect both teams to field the same five as their last game. Courtney Williams at PG, Kayla McBride at SG should form the backcourt. While Napheesa Collier at SF, Bridget Carleton at PF and Alanna Smith a C complete the starters.
The Aces should start with Chelsea Gray at PG, Kelsey Plum at SG, Jackie Young at SF, A'ja Wilson at PF and Kiah Stokes at C.
Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas Aces: Prediction
The Lynx are one of the teams to beat this season, but they are up against a team that comes with a potent offense. Las Vegas and Minnesota both have momentum on their side, and this will be a close contest. Take the Aces for a narrow win on Wednesday.
