The Aces and Mercury play each other for the second time in four games with Las Vegas winning the last round. This will be the fourth and final regular season matchup between the squads; the Aces have won two of three thus far.
Phoenix is a 1.5-point underdog and +102 on the moneyline, while Las Vegas is -122 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 170.5 points.
Here’s my prediction and pick for Thursday’s Aces vs. Mercury matchup.
Aces vs. Mercury prediction
Las Vegas was 12-13 on July 25, and it seemed the team was doomed for an early playoff exit. Since that point, the Aces are 10-1 with their only loss coming against the No. 1 seed Lynx.
It’s an impressive run, and the team looks more like a title contender since shifting Jewell Loyd to the bench. A’ja Wilson remains a superstar and is showcasing that especially in recent games. She’s scored 30-plus points in three straight and in four of her last five. One of those was the first-ever 30-point, 20-rebound performance in WNBA history.
The Mercury are a formidable foe, but it’s difficult to slow down this Aces squad. Still, Phoenix has won five of its last seven. Of course, one of those losses came against Las Vegas, 86-83 at home. Perhaps the Mercury could have better luck on the road this time around. The team is 11-6 at home and 10-7 away.
Aces vs. Mercury pick, best bet
While Phoenix has been a good team all season, it’s hard to bet against the Aces right now.
Not only are they at home, but they’re 10-1 in the last 11. They’ve went from a potential first-round exit to a championship contender in less than a month.
Even with all this in mind, they’re just favored by 1.5 points. Both the spread and moneyline are good bets tonight and return good value.