We’re nearly two-thirds of the way through the WNBA season. The trade deadline is around the corner, and just about every team knows where they stand. As the Las Vegas Aces continue their quest for a fourth championship in five seasons, they’re getting a final look at this team before the deadline and deciding if any moves need to be made. The Chicago Sky are staring down another lottery season and should be active in trade calls over the coming days. But before the future can be considered, we have the present to deal with.
The Aces enter as 6.5-point road favorites with -250 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Sky are +205 underdogs, with the game total set at 183.5 points.
Let’s dive into a preview, prediction, and pick for this Aces-Sky matchup.
Aces vs. Sky Prediction, Preview
So far this season, these teams have played twice, in a home-and-home, back-to-back on June 28 and July 3. Las Vegas won both games by eight points, the second win coming in overtime. In that first matchup, the frontcourt set the tone for Chicago, as Kamilla Cardoso and Azura Stevens had 24 points apiece. But they were undone by A’ja Wilson, who had a ridiculous 30-point, 15-rebound, 7-steal-plus-block performance to deliver the win. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray’s contributions were noteworthy too, as Vegas’ All-Star backcourt combined for 46 points, 11 rebounds, and 16 assists.
The next matchup was a testier affair, especially in the absence of Wilson. But the Aces found a way to grind it out, as NaLyssa Smith went off for 29 points and eight boards. They also got healthy scoring performances from Young, Gray, and Jewell Loyd. Chicago got another double-double performance from Cardoso, although Stevens faltered with Smith dominating the matchup. Skylar Diggins, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, had a strong scoring night to push the Aces to the brink.
The battle begins in the frontcourt once again. Cardoso’s size and ability on the glass can create problems for the Aces, deterring their rim attempts and turning the possession battle towards Chicago. In theory, that energy Wilson has to expend on the glass should affect her offense, although that certainly wasn’t the case in the first matchup. Natasha Cloud is awfully important for Chicago as well; as their best perimeter defender, her hands will be full dealing with Gray, Young, and Loyd.
Defense is where the Sky can attack things first and foremost, but the offense has been there recently. Chicago has scored 90+ points in six straight games, going 3-3 in that stretch. Cardoso and Stevens are the foundation of the offense, but undrafted rookie Sydney Taylor continues to be a huge swing factor. Her shot creation has elevated the floor of this Sky offense and gives them a solid chance at the upset.
Now that we know these teams a bit better, who is going to pull out the win, and how should we bet this game?
Aces vs. Sky Pick, Best Bet
Though it’s difficult to trust the Sky finding a way to win on a nightly basis, the offensive renaissance cannot be denied. They’ve put up solid nights against the Dream, Liberty, and Wings over this good stretch of play. Las Vegas’ defense is amongst the elite, but they’re going to have to keep pace, which shouldn’t be a problem with the stars healthy and playing good ball. This should be another win for the Aces to sweep the season series, but the high total might raise some eyebrows.