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With the WNBA calendar back in full swing once again, two title contenders come to blows as the New York Liberty take on the Las Vegas Aces at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on Saturday, for the second time this season.
Sitting atop the league summit, the Liberty will look to keep their winning run going in a tricky road matchup. The Eastern Conference team picked up a credible 103-68 win in their previous game against the LA Sparks.
Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu will be the players to watch out for as they continue their fine form this season, particularly Stweart, who's chasing A’ja Wilson in the MVP race.
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The Aces, meanwhile, are still looking for that spark despite winning 10 of their last 12 games. They haven't been up to their usual standards this season. Becky Hammon’s women have lost two more games this season than they did in the entirety of last year's campaign.
Several players in the Aces squad could be deemed key to secure a third consecutive league title. Jackie Young’s firepower up front has been an important factor for their success. But A’ja Wilson is the one who makes the reigning champions tick on both ends of the floor.
New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces: Injury reports
New York Liberty injury reports for August 17
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello remains without Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who's knee injury will keep her out for another few weeks.
Las Vegas Aces injury reports for August 17
Becky Hammon is without any injury concerns for the weekend clash, with her entire squad fit and ready for the upcoming clash.
New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces: Starting lineups and depth charts
New York Liberty starting lineups and depth charts
The Liberty are expected to field the same lineup that featured in their last matchup against the Sparks, including Sabrina Ionescu, Leonie Fiebich, Jonquel Jones, Courtney Vandersloot and Breanna Stewart.
Las Vegas Aces starting lineups and depth charts
The Aces will also look to field their usual outlets in their starting lineup, which should be: A’ja Wilson, Kiah Stokes, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young.
New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces: Head-to-head
The head-to-head record between the two teams is interesting, with their last 10 meetings resulting in three wins for the Liberty and seven for the Aces.
Their last meeting in June this year saw an exciting encounter, where Janquel Jones scored 34 points to lead New York to an 90-82 victory with an incredible fourth-quarter performance.
Moreover, the Liberty haven't won back-to-back games against the Aces in the league since 2016, so they will aim to break that long-standing streak. Expect the Liberty to take the win.
