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Michelob Ultra Arena plays host to a potential cracker on Wednesday's WNBA clash as fourth-placed Las Vegas Aces takes on third-placed Minnesota Lynx. With the league set to enter its final stretch, these two teams know exactly what is needed to secure their spots in the postseason.
The increasingly impressive Lynx won its third straight league game over the weekend beating the Washington Mystics, thanks to Napheesa Collier’s 30-point performance. Collier is in a rich vein of form, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding with averages of 20.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game this season.
With a 19-8 record, the Lynx trail the Connecticut Sun by one game and hold a 1.5-game lead over both Las Vegas and Seattle Storm, all of whom are vying for top-three spots. In the previous matchup earlier this year, the Lynx defeated the Aces 86-100. So, they should be full of confidence going into this game.
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In contrast, the Aces fans have learned that this season has been very up and down. After a slow start that included losses to the Phoenix Mercury, Atlanta Dream, Seattle Storm and the LA Sparks, the team began to find their rhythm with a series of consecutive wins. However, their performance still falls short of expectations for a team aiming for a three-peat. Furthermore, they have suffered more losses this season than they did last year.
Despite the challenges they've faced, it is fair to say that the Aces are still hopeful. Considering the team’s ferocious firepower, a victory is going to be more crucial than ever to not only help their chances of playoff qualification but also provide a confidence boost going into the final stretch of the season.
With the two teams facing off again on Saturday, a sweep of Minnesota this week would be vital for Becky Hammon’s women. It would move them ahead of the Lynx by half a game in the standings.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces: Starting lineups and depth charts
Minnesota Lynx starting lineups and depth charts for August 21
Myisha Hines-Allen is the only one listed as day-to-day following her recent trade from the Mystics, otherwise Cheryl Reeve has no other injury concerns. She may opt to keep the starting lineup unchanged as she looks to go three games unbeaten at home after the break.
Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams are expected to start.
Las Vegas Aces starting lineups and depth charts for August 21
Meanwhile, the Aces have a clean bill of health ahead of the clash and Becky Hammon has the luxury of being able to select the same side that beat the LA Sparks 87-71 over the weekend.
The expected starting five include A’ja Wilson, Kiah Stokes, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces: Head-to-head
These sides have met on a whopping 79 occasions over the years, with the Lynx winning 51 meetings to the Aces’ 28. However, the Lynx have won just only one of their five most recent encounters, an 86-100 win at Target Center in June this year, which is a result they’d be thrilled to replicate on Wednesday.
