Mercury vs Aces predictions
Let’s talk Phoenix Mercury first, since this squad has been quietly building real momentum in the Western Conference. Satou Sabally is about as consistent as they come, putting up 20.5 points a night and hauling down nearly 8 boards per game. With her ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble, don’t be surprised if she flirts with a double-double in Vegas. The Mercury will need her scoring punch on the road, and you better believe she’ll be hunting her spots early. Keep an eye on her facilitating, too—while 2.9 assists per contest isn’t sky-high, her passing could open up looks for Phoenix’s perimeter shooters if the Aces send extra attention her way.
Switching gears to the Las Vegas Aces, everyone’s buzzing about Jackie Young after she exploded for 28 points last time out. Even with A’ja Wilson sidelined (that’s a massive piece missing from the Aces, both in scoring and on the glass), Young seems ready to step up into a bigger spotlight. I expect Kelsey Plum to pick up some of the slack as well, bringing her signature aggression and playmaking to the table. Without Wilson anchoring the middle, there’s a chance for the Aces’ guard play to shine and perhaps run a little smaller, faster lineup, trying to exploit Phoenix’s defense in transition.
So who walks out of Michelob ULTRA Arena with the W? This one looks like a classic Western Conference tussle, but even though Las Vegas has been tough at home and just caught fire with Young’s big game, Wilson’s absence feels like a big hurdle against a Mercury squad rolling with Sabally. I’m leaning toward Phoenix eking out a close one, thanks in large part to their interior strength and Sabally’s knack for rising to the occasion. Still, if the Aces’ backcourt gets hot, this one could go down to the wire—just the way we like it in the WNBA.
