Teams sitting near the top of the standings facing off is always worth paying attention to, and even more so when one is directly behind the other. Such is the case here as the Las Vegas Aces are hosting the Minnesota Lynx, setting up a battle between the teams that are fourth and third, respectively.
Let's get to my Lynx vs Aces prediction, where I'm betting on the defending champions to take care of business at home at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Lynx vs. Aces Prediction
Las Vegas is favored to win and assuming they do, chances are it will be by a healthy margin. The Aces have a track record of winning by double digits, and even though the Lynx have a better record their defense will be unable to hold A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. Therefore, my Lynx vs Aces pick is on the Aces to cover the spread.
Lynx vs Aces Pick: Aces -5.5
Lynx vs. Aces Odds
| Lynx Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 167 -110o / -110u | +186 |
| Aces Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 167 -110o / -110u | -235 |
Lynx vs Aces Preview
Minnesota Lynx Betting Preview: 3 & D for the Lynx
The Lynx have played good basketball for most of the season and came out of the extended break with a pair of wins over the Washington Mystics. Led by Napheesa Collier's 20.3 points and 10 rebounds per game, the Lynx are a middle-of-the-pack offensive team that relies on its defense to win most games.
That defense, which is tops in the league in rating, is allowing the second-fewest points per game of any team and supports an offense that sees just five players averaging at least nine points per game. Along with Collier the Lynx rely on Kayla McBride, who is chipping in 16 points per game, as well as Alanna Smith (11.3), Courtney Williams (10.1) and Bridget Carleton (9).
The Lynx do take advantage from behind the arc, connecting on nearly 10 three-point shots per game. McBride sinks nearly three per outing while Carleton makes just more than two.
Las Vegas Aces Betting Preview: Aces Looking Like Champs
The Aces have been one of the league's best teams since mid June, and have more and more resembled the team that won a championship last season.
Star A'ja Wilson, who won a gold medal with Team USA, has been dominant to the tune of 27.3 points, 12 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2 steals and 2.8 blocks per game. She has picked up right where she left off before the break, amassing 58 points and 24 boards in two games since.
Wilson has not and does not do it alone, however. Kelsey Plum, who also won a gold in the Olympics, is averaging 18.2 points and 4.5 assists per game, while Jackie Young is adding 17.6 points, 5.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds.
With those numbers it should come as little surprise the Aces are among the best offense teams in the league, with a rating that is second and a points-per-game that is first. It helps that the Aces play at the W's fastest pace and yet turn the ball over less than every other team.
Lynx vs. Aces Prediction: Bet on Aces to Cover
Lynx vs Aces Best Bet
This shapes up to be an excellent game, especially with the contrast in styles. Minnesota's defense vs. Las Vegas' offense. As they say something has to give, and Wednesday it will be the defense. Wilson, Plum and Young will lead the Aces to a win and, given that 10 of the team's last 11 wins have come by double digit point totals, Vegas is good to cover.
