The Atlanta Dream host the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday night at Gateway Center Arena. The game tips off at 7:30 PM ET and will have a big effect on playoff seeding with both teams near the top of their conferences.
Las Vegas comes in at 25-14 and has already clinched a playoff spot after their 11th straight win over the Chicago Sky. Atlanta sits at 24-13, leading the East and coming off a dominant win over the New York Liberty that set a new franchise record for most wins in a season. These teams have met twice already this year, with the Aces taking both matchups.
Dream Preview – Can They Protect Home Court?
Atlanta has been one of the most consistent teams in the WNBA this season. They’ve won nine of their last eleven games and now have the best record in the Eastern Conference. At home, the Dream have gone 12-5, showing they can handle tough opponents in their building.
Allisha Gray continues to be the main scoring option, averaging 18.8 points per game. She scored 19 with four three-pointers against New York in their last outing. Rhyne Howard has chipped in around 15 points per game and leads the team in assists, helping balance the offense. Naz Hillmon has provided strong inside play, putting up double-digit rebounds in multiple games this year.
On the defensive side, Atlanta ranks first in total rebounds allowed per game and is holding opponents to 77 points. They excel in limiting second-chance opportunities and are strong in transition defense. Even with Jordin Canada out due to a hamstring injury, the Dream’s backcourt has stayed active by forcing turnovers and protecting the perimeter.
Aces Preview – Streaking Into the Playoffs
Las Vegas has been the hottest team in the league in August. Their 11-game win streak has moved them into second place in the West, putting pressure on the top seed as the postseason gets closer. The Aces are 11-9 on the road this season and will be tested by Atlanta’s home crowd.
Jackie Young has been a steady scoring force, dropping 22 points in the win over Chicago. A’ja Wilson continues to be a dominant two-way player, adding 18 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in that same game. Chelsea Gray keeps the offense moving, averaging seven assists, and her playmaking has been key in closing out tight games. Kelsey Plum also stretches defenses with her three-point shooting, giving Las Vegas another dangerous weapon.
The Aces rank seventh in the league in scoring at 82.7 points per game while holding opponents to 77. They are near the top in free throw shooting and second in blocks, showing how balanced they are. Defensively, they force teams into tough shots while creating transition chances off turnovers. They’ve beaten Atlanta twice already this season, by scores of 87-72 and 74-72, proving they can win both comfortably and in tight contests.
Betting Prediction
The betting line has Las Vegas as a -3.5 road favorite, with the total set around 177. Both prior meetings between these teams went under the total, with defensive intensity being the deciding factor. Atlanta has been a strong cover team this season at 22-14-1 ATS, while Las Vegas sits at 19-19-1 ATS.
Atlanta’s home record makes them a dangerous underdog, but the Aces’ current form is hard to ignore. Their depth, balance, and ability to close out tight games give them the edge. Expect another competitive contest, but Las Vegas should pull away late to cover the spread. Predicted final score: Aces 80, Dream 76.
Pick: Las Vegas Aces -3.5
