The Storm are hosting the Aces for Game 2 of this best-of-three first round playoff series. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Las Vegas is favored by 5.5 points and this game carries a total of 161 points.
Below, I break down the Storm vs. Aces matchup and give a pick for the game.
Storm vs. Aces preview, prediction
The Aces took care of business at home in Game 1 vs. the Storm, blowing Seattle out 102-77, marking Las Vegas’ 17th straight win. Per usual, A’ja Wilson was dominant for the Aces, posting 29 points and eight rebounds. Additionally, Jackie Young stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds, Nalyssa Smith nearly tallied a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds, and Jewell Loyd added 14 points, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.
In the huge loss for the Storm, top scorers Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike struggled with just 12 and 11 points, respectively. Gabby Williams stepped up with 16 points and Dominique Malonga provided a 12-point and 11-rebound double-double off the bench. If Seattle wants to keep its season alive, both Ogwumike and Diggins must have strong showings scoring the ball.
Ogwumike and Diggins were All-Stars this season, as they are leading the Storm with 18.3 and 15.5 PPG, respectively. If they don’t play up to their potential, Seattle simply won’t be able to keep up with the Aces’ high-powered offense.
The Storm also have big problems on the defensive end in this matchup, as they don’t have anyone who can slow down Wilson. Seattle should change it’s game plan and possibly double team the three-time MVP more, but Wilson is playing so well right now that it’s hard to envision any defensive scheme slowing her down. During this impressive 17-game winning streak, Wilson is averaging 26.3 PPG.
Storm vs. Aces pick, best bet
While this series shifts to Seattle for Game 2, the home-court advantage won’t mean much for the Storm. The Aces should end Seattle’s season with another easy win. The Storm are actually worse at home than on the road this season, with a 10-12 record in Seattle. Backing the Aces to cover this 5.5-point spread is a no-brainer.
During Las Vegas’ 17-game win streak, the team’s average margin of victory is 13.1 PPG, and the Aces have won by six points or more in 13 of these 17 contests.
