The Minnesota Lynx (19-8) are in third place in the standings and the Las Vegas Aces (17-9) are right behind them in fourth. This makes their matchup on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) a big one, with the Lynx having an opportunity to distance themselves further from the defending champions while the Aces have a shot at closing the gap.
Although we’ll focus solely on this game, it’s important to note that they play each other again on Friday, making this a compelling two-game in-season series.
The Lynx are back
Why have the Lynx been so successful this season? Two words: Napheesa Collier. She is having a career year, averaging a double-double with 20.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
With Collier elevating her game and Courtney Williams orchestrating the offense, the Lynx are having their best season since 2021. The franchise has had plenty of success under head coach Cheryl Reeve, but this recent success was somewhat unexpected. If they can win on Wednesday and Friday, they will put distance between themselves and Las Vegas, as well as place themselves in prime position to finish in the top three or higher this year.
The Aces are coming?
Is it time for the Aces to go on a run? They are 17-9 and relatively healthy. If they still want a top seed, now is the time to make the push.
W secured ️
Wilson: 34 PTS / 13 REB / 5 STL / 2 BLK / 60% FGPlum: 18 PTS / 4 3PM / 46% FGHayes: 11 PTS / 3 REB / 50% FGYoung: 10 PTS / 4 REB / 4 AST / 2 STL / 2 3PM#ALLINLV pic.twitter.com/qA5z1t19Qs
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) August 19, 2024
No one denies the Aces’ talent. They are back-to-back champions, have that core intact and, despite the New York Liberty looking like the best in the WNBA, they remain the team to beat until someone eliminates them.
A’ja Wilson is why the Aces are flirting with becoming a dynasty and still considered a top contender. She likely will be the MVP of this league once again; it’s hard to see that award not going unanimously to her. The gap between Wilson and the second-best player is that massive. However, she can’t win a title alone, so she’ll need Jackie Young to have a strong August and Kelsey Plum to continue scoring 18.2 points a night. If the Aces can sweep these pair of games, they’ll move past the Lynx and can start eyeing that second seed.
Game information
Las Vegas Aces (17-9) vs. Minnesota Lynx (19-8)
When: Wednesday, August 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, NV
How to watch: ESPN
Aces injury report: none
Lynx injury report: none
