Let’s discuss Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury.
The battle between the top 8 sides in the playoffs is expected to become more intense in the coming days. On Saturday, 20 August, the Las Vegas Aces are set to host the Phoenix Mercury for the second game of Round 1 of the playoffs.
The Aces already have the upper hand after winning the first game against the Mercury 2 days ago. As expected, Las Vegas gave no chance of any sort of comeback to the opposition and dominated the game right from the start. Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray were brilliant as they added 39 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists together. Jackie Young also gave a valuable contribution of 16 points with 5 rebounds. The Aces would like to wrap up the first round of the playoffs with another win against Phoenix on Saturday.
It was always going to be tough for the Phoenix Mercury to trouble the Aces in their home arena. The absence of Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith turned out to be a big disadvantage for the Mercury. The leading scorer from the last matchup was Diamond DeShields who secured 18 points. She also added 8 rebounds to her name. Sophie Cunningham had a decent game as well and she finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Mercury needs to formulate a fresh plan to give a spirited fight to the Aces in the upcoming game.
Also read: NBA 2022-23 season schedule.
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury: Odds
| Platform | Aces | Mercury | Predicted Winner |
| FiveThirtyEight | 89% | 11% | Aces |
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury: Recent Form
The Las Vegas Aces are having a fantastic season. The finished at 26-10 at the top of the Western Conference. With 4 consecutive wins to end the regular season, the Aces moved ahead of the Sky and clinched the #1 seed. Las Vegas has maintained a home record of 13-5 so far.
The Phoenix Mercury had to fight hard to earn a playoff spot. They finished the regular season at 15-21 at the 4th position of the Western Conference (Overall #8 seed). On the road trips, Phoenix has been 4-14 as of now.
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury: Head to head
There have been 44 games so far between these two sides in the WNBA. The Phoenix Mercury is ahead with 27 wins, while the Las Vegas Aces managed to win 17 of them. If we talk about the last 5 matchups, 4 games were won by Las Vegas and only 1 by Phoenix. The previous meeting took place in the first game of Round 1 of the playoffs on 17 August 2022. The Las Vegas Aces won that game with a score of 79-63.
In the last 5 games between the two teams, the stats are in favor of the Las Vegas Aces. They have defeated Phoenix Mercury in 4 of the last 5 games.
The last match between the two teams was back on May 5, 2022. Las Vegas Aces won the game by 100-80 points.
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Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury: Best Picks
Tina Charles
The 2012 WNBA MVP has been incredible this season. With her 3-pt prowess and superior rebounding skills, she is the best offensive and defensive package in a player. This center has a tendency to draw fouls AND score and shoot 3s as if they are nothing.
Charles averages 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds with a 3-pt field goal percentage of 36.4%.
A’ja Wilson
2020’s WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson is very consistent this season. Releasing very potent shots from inside the arc and a high level mid-range shooting accuracy, she’s pretty talented. She has averaged 19.4 points this season, along with 1.8 assists per game, accompanied by 9.7 rebounds.
Chelsea Gray
Chelsea Gray might just be the biggest offensive threat this season. With exceptional shooting skills from all ranges, incredible shot IQ and offensive awareness, she’s a massive threat when she is on the ball. Appearing in the All-Star team four times, she’s pretty dominant on the court.
This season, she is averaging 12.7 points, 6.1 assists and almost 2 steals per game.
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury: Possible Lineup
Las Vegas Aces: Guard- Kelsey Plum | Guard- Chelsea Gray | Forward- Jackie Young | Forward- A’ja Wilson | Center- Kiah Stokes
Phoenix Mercury: Guard- Diamond DeShields | Guard- Jennie Simms | Forward- Shey Puddy | Forward- Sophie Cunningham | Center- Brianna Turner
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury: Prediction
The Las Vegas Aces are surely looking like a stronger side as per the team strength and form this season. They have already won the first game of Round 1 and one more win will make them through to the next round of the postseason.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury will be under pressure as a loss in this game will eliminate them from the tournament. All the predictions and betting platforms are favoring the Aces for this game.
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