- What: WNBA Regular Season Game
- When: Saturday, August 17
- Who: New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Michelob ULTRA Arena (Las Vegas, NV)
The WNBA is returning with an exciting game this Saturday. The Las Vegas Aces will host the New York Liberty.
This game marks the second encounter between the two teams this season, following New York’s 90-82 win on the road.
New York Liberty
After meeting in the 2023 WNBA Finals, New York and Las Vegas were considered top contenders for this season’s WNBA title.
Despite New York’s strong 10-2 start, Las Vegas had a mediocre 6-6 record after 12 games.
New York has continued its strong performance, leading with a 22-4 record, three games ahead in the standings, and a five-game lead over Las Vegas.
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Presented by @newyorklottery
2️⃣2️⃣ @Sloot22
2️⃣0️⃣ @sabrina_i20
1️⃣3️⃣ Leonie Fiebich
3️⃣0️⃣ @breannastewart
3️⃣5️⃣ @jus242
Get out there and play!
Must be 18+. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY. #pleaseplayresponsibly pic.twitter.com/Ek4JKy6UQJ— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) August 17, 2024
The Liberty’s key improvement has been on the defensive end this season, with their defensive efficiency increasing from 99.4 to 95.
Last year, the Liberty’s bench struggled defensively when the starters were off the court, especially in terms of flexibility and perimeter defense.
Stefanie Dolson’s departure at center has allowed New York to experiment with a smaller lineup, thanks to the additions of forwards Leonie Fiebich and Kennedy Burke.
It’s also worth noting that New York now has five players coming off the bench who average double figures in minutes, compared to just three last year.
Las Vegas Aces
The Aces’ slow start this year has been a bit perplexing, especially considering they didn’t lose many key players after winning back-to-back WNBA titles.
Despite missing Chelsea Gray due to a leg injury at the beginning of the season, the Aces had enough depth to compensate for her absence.
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1⃣2⃣ Gray
1⃣0⃣ Plum
0⃣ Young
2⃣2⃣ Wilson
4⃣1⃣ StokesPresented by @Toyota // #LetsGoPlaces pic.twitter.com/tqJAMEkhyq
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) August 17, 2024
However, the numbers show just how valuable Gray is to the team. Since her return on Jun. 19, the Aces have won 10 out of 12 games, indicating her significant impact.
Gray’s Defensive Win Shares for the Aces in 2023 were second only to A’ja Wilson, and the team’s defensive rating has improved notably with Gray back on the court.
It’s clear that the Aces have been much stronger defensively in recent games compared to earlier in the season, and this improvement is likely to continue as they aim to finish the season strongly and prepare for the playoffs.
Sky-Aces Best Bet
These teams are known for their strong perimeter defense, but that wasn’t fully evident in their last matchup.
They both made many three-pointers, combining for 23 in total. New York ranks fifth in the league for three-pointers allowed per game, while the Aces currently rank seventh but have improved to fourth since Gray’s return.
Both teams will step up their perimeter defense this time, resulting in a slightly lower-scoring game.
I would bet Under 174.5 points at -110 odds in this one.
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