We’ve got a potential first-round playoff matchup on our hands for Tuesday’s WNBA slate. The defending champion Las Vegas Aces continue to jockey for the top spots in the playoff picture, while a surging Washington Mystics team is climbing out from the bottom rung of the playoff picture. This is going to be quite the clash.
The Aces enter as 7.5-point home favorites with -355 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Mystics are +280 underdogs, with the game total set at 167.5 points.
Let’s dive into a preview, prediction, and pick for this Mystics-Aces matchup.
Mystics vs. Aces Prediction, Preview
As the first end of a back-to-back, this game will be fascinating to monitor, especially with how their first matchup went. Just over two weeks ago, the Aces and Mystics faced off in Washington, and we got an instant classic. Things quite literally went down to the last possession; Shakira Austin’s and-one finish gave the Mystics a one-point lead with only seconds to go, and the Aces had their chance at the end.
The stars were sure out for that game. A’ja Wilson, the overwhelming MVP favorite, did everything in her power with 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. The kind of stat line that makes you wonder if you should raise the 2K difficulty level. She got a sterling performance from her co-stars, as Jackie Young put up 24/7/7 and Chelsea Gray had 19 points of her own, but the defense wasn’t enough.
Shakira Austin, who had the game-winning basket, led the way for Washington with 25 points and six boards. Kiki Iriafen had her customary double-double, while Sonia Citron poured in 24 points and eight assists along with her usual excellent defense. It’s the kind of performance we have grown accustomed to from these Mystics; they’ve won seven straight to go from playoff hopefuls to a team vying for home-court in the first round.
This matchup starts in the frontcourt. A’ja Wilson is the best player in the world, but the Mystics have a lot of bodies to throw at her. Iriafen, Austin, and Lauren Betts can all blend size and mobility in an effective way on the defensive end of the floor. Of course, when the M’VP hands you 38 points, you think about your game plan deeply. Washington will have to work hard to limit her on the glass as well; as the best rebounding team in the league, the Mystics need that excellent margin on the glass to execute their game plan.
I’m stoked to watch Sonia Citron go up against this Aces backcourt once again. A very underrated defender, Citron will have all she can handle with Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Those two can mix drives and perimeter shotmaking with the best of them. If Citron can take away some of their best looks, it gives a real edge to Washington. And if Citron can put pressure on them at the other end of the floor, that’s going to get the Aces in trouble.
My X-factor for this game is Mystics rookie forward Cotie McMahon. Not only can she bring some scoring, rebounding, and defense to the table, but she gives Washington a mental edge with her penchant for causing trouble. The Aces have seen it all through their dynastic run, but it’s not every day you see a rookie willing to talk trash to everyone and anyone. That, along with her legitimate on-court production, could rattle Las Vegas’ cage a bit.
Now that we know these teams a bit better, who is going to pull out the win, and how should we bet on this game?
Mystics vs. Aces Pick, Best Bet
I can’t overlook the run that the Mystics have been on here. Playing on the road against the Aces is a different beast, but they have the personnel to match up with Vegas’ stars, and have shown they can beat this team even on their best night. I’ll back the road underdogs to keep this one close.
