Opening week of the 2024 WNBA season will continue on Saturday and the second game on the schedule will feature the Los Angeles Sparks visiting the Las Vegas Aces. Today’s game will tip off at 3 p.m. ET and will air on ABC.
Las Vegas (1-0) had a successful ring/banner night on Tuesday, taking down Phoenix 89-80 in its season opener. The defending champions had to fend off a second/third quarter surge by the Mercury, but eventually established separation with a 14-4 run late. A’ja Wilson stepped up with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists in the win.
Los Angeles (0-1) fell short in its season opener on Wednesday, losing 92-81 to Atlanta. Both teams were perfectly even for all three quarters before the Dream broke off an 11-0 run at the start of the fourth to separate themselves. The contest marked the WNBA debut of No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink, who had 11 points and four assists in 20 minutes.
On the injury front, Chelsea Gray (leg) has been ruled out for the Aces.
Las Vegas enters the game as a heavy 18-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, accompanied by a total of 168.5. The Aces are listed as a -2800 moneyline favorite, making the Sparks a +1300 underdog.
Sparks vs. Aces, 3 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Aces -18
Las Vegas was seemingly cruising for a blowout home victory on Tuesday before Phoenix came back and made the opener competitive. I do not think that will be the case this afternoon as this is a matchup between a dominant defending champion facing a rebuilding franchise trying to find its footing with new pieces. I’ll take the Aces to roll and easily cover this afternoon.
Over/Under: Under 168.5
Los Angeles managed to score 81 points on Wednesday despite shooting under 40% from the field. I think Vegas will tighten down defensively and severely limit scoring opportunities for the Sparks this afternoon. Give me the under to barely cash in this one.