The Aces are hosting the Storm for Game 1 of this best-of-three first round series. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Las Vegas is favored by 5.5 points, and this game carries a total of O/U 161.5 points.
Below, I break down the Aces vs. Storm matchup and give a pick for the game.
Aces vs. Storm preview, prediction
The Aces and the Storm split the season series in the regular season with two wins apiece, but heading into the playoffs, these two teams are in much different form. The No. 2-seeded Aces have been unstoppable, winning 16 straight games and have posted a 19-3 record since the All-Star break, while the Storm are just 9-12 during this time, barely sneaking into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed.
Three-time MVP A’ja Wilson is having another incredible season for Las Vegas, leading the WNBA with 23.4 points and 2.3 blocks per game, while also ranking second in rebounds per game at 10.2. Overall, the Aces are a ridiculous +29.5 with Wilson on the floor this season. On top of the 29-year-old’s dominance up front, Jackie Young has been excellent in the backcourt. The guard has averaged 16.5 points and 5.1 assists per game, and was named to her fourth straight All-Star team this season.
For the Storm, Nneka Ogwumike continues to thrive in her 12th season in the WNBA, leading Seattle with 18.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Veteran Skylar Diggins has also been strong with 15.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
The Storm hang their hat on the defensive end, but slowing down the red-hot Aces on their home floor is going to be a very difficult task. Seattle will need both Ogwumike and Diggins to have big scoring performances if it wants to keep up with Las Vegas.
Aces vs. Storm pick, best bet
The Aces are on a sensational run right now and should have no trouble defeating the Storm in Game 1, especially at home, where the Aces are 17-5 this season.
Las Vegas should be favored by more than 5.5 points for this matchup and is a terrific bet to cover this spread.
