Last Year’s Best Aces Open Against Rejuvenated Mercury
Mercury vs Aces Lines and WNBA Opening Week
Mercury vs Aces lines are out and we have all the analysis and information you need to make some bets on Tuesday.
The defending champion Las Vegas Aces schedule starts soft with the Phoenix Mercury who finished dead last in the WNBA last season. The Aces only lost six games last season, going 34-6 and dominating from the start of the season to the end.
The Mercury on the other hand had a season they’d like to forget. They finished the season 9-31 and ended the season on a sad 11-game losing streak. They will have to play perfectly on Tuesday to ruin the defending champions opening night.
Mercury vs Aces lines are Las Vegas Aces -15.5 favorites at home with the total set at 169.5.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
Day/Time:
Location: Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Streaming: WNBA League Pass, ESPN 2, ESPN +
Aces Reigning Supreme
It is the Las Vegas Aces WNBA. They are starting this season off coming off their second championship in the last two years, and will be looking to put together another championship season this year. They want the three-peat.
Once again it is all about the Ace’s “Big Four” of A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. These WNBA players form the most potent offensive attack in the league. Wilson, the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, is one of the most dominant players the league has ever seen.
Wilson can do everything from elite rebounding to one-on-one defending. Plum, a scoring machine unleashed under Coach Becky Hammon’s system, can shoot from beyond the arc and attack the rim with similar skill. Young came onto the scene last season through her shooting and defense.
Gray, the championship point guard returning from a foot injury, adds another dimension to the offense with her playmaking and scoring ability.
The Aces actively bolstered their roster with key additions as well. Megan Gustafson, a rising star, adds depth and versatility to the frontcourt. She’s a capable scorer who can stretch the floor with her three-point shot, giving the Aces another offensive weapon. Rookies like Dyaisha Fair, a scoring prodigy with relentless hustle, and Kate Martin, a balanced offensive and defensive prospect, bring fresh energy and intensity.
The Aces have the experience, talent, and depth to compete for another title. One thing’s for sure, the Las Vegas Aces are a team to pay attention to. Their hunger, talent, and championship pedigree make them the clear favorites, but anything can happen in this league.
MEET THE ACES ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/unJsLaEe0a
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 14, 2024
Phoenix Feeling Bad
The Phoenix Mercury had a season from hell last year. For the first time since 2012, they didn’t qualify for the playoffs, and they have a new-look roster and coach in place to try and right the ship. They have undergone a makeover and it was needed.
Last season started with a 2-10 record and the firing of head coach Vanessa Nygaard. From there they proceeded to continue losing and finish the season in last place. Now WNBA newcomer Nate Tibbetts will lead the squad and try to show that his NBA assistant coach experience can translate to the WNBA. He assembled an experienced coaching staff, with WNBA legend Kristi Toliver as his associate head coach to help him.
The Phoenix Mercury improved their defense by signing veteran stars Natasha Cloud and Rebecca Allen this offseason. Cloud, a tenacious guard and former champion, is an elite defender. Allen, a shot-blocking forward, adds rim protection. These acquisitions aim to address Phoenix’s defensive woes, which ranked worst in the league last season.
Phoenix still has plenty of returning talent as well, including their core of Diana Taurasi, Brittany Griner, and Sophia Cunningham. Sug Sutton will be returning as well. Griner is starting the season out with a toe injury, and the Mercury will be praying for a speedy recovery.
New Era, Same Zona 🌵
Our 2024 Phoenix Mercury Roster!#ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/DFYZKpGRAq
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 14, 2024
Aces Make Statement
Mercury vs Aces lines are Las Vegas Aces -15.5 total of 169.5. The Aces have proven they are ready to dominate opening night just like they did most of last season.
The Mercury will be missing Griner who they’ll need to have a proper chance at competing with the talent of the Aces. Diana Taurasi is back, however, and has some new weapons in her arsenal. Still, the Aces have the star power to beat anyone by 20 points, and they covered this 15.5-point spread in each of their games against the Mercury last season.
For WNBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
