Mystics vs Aces Preview: Will Las Vegas Try Against Surging Washington?

Las Vegas Favors Itself Despite Betting Trends

Despite being 0-5 against the spread (ATS) in its last five games, including a blowout loss to the opponent they’re facing this Thursday, the Las Vegas Aces open as moderate favorites yet again. The WNBA title favorites barely hold on to the top spot and need to get up in this rematch versus Washington. But which team is better to bet on in this Mystics vs Aces preview?

Mystics Build Momentum on Delle Donne’s Return

One does not simply underestimate a WNBA team with a two-time MVP in Elena Delle Donne. The seven-time All-Star is still a force even at 33 and coming off injury. She put up 21 points with just 10 field goal attempts in Washington’s 78-62 upset over Las Vegas last Saturday. That improved the Mystics’ record to 11-7 when she’s in the lineup.

“It felt so good to be out there … just to have the whole group out there felt good,” Delle Donne told ESPN following the team’s win. “I think you could see it; we were just playing with joy, sharing the ball, trusting in each other. That’s what it can look like.”

That bodes well for Washington as it looks to keep climbing the WNBA standings. The team has won four of its last six games, though all but one of its final five games are on the road. Delle Donne and her teammates must maintain the “good vibes” to finish strong.

The Mystics’ WNBA 2023 schedule is doing them no favors here, as they are terrible on the road. The team is just 5-11 and 4-12 ATS. Against the West, Washington is just 1-6 ATS. Offense has been a red flag as Washington averages a measly 95.5 rating, which is second-worst. Its 46.1 rebounding percentage is also a detriment.

Delle Donne averages a 114.1 offensive rating, and the team is a whopping 20 points better when she’s on the floor. Thus, we have to be bullish on Washington in this Mystics vs Aces preview. Expect it to do better against the betting lines while their best player is in good shape.

Lost Vegas is No Longer the Ace

We’re not just being cheeky with our Mystics vs Aces preview here. Las Vegas has lost its way in this final stretch of the season. Whether it’s fatigue, apathy, or the absence of Candace Parker, or all three, Las Vegas has not been the best, especially as a bet online.

This team is now just 1.5 games ahead of the Liberty for the top seed. And in terms of the WNBA rankings, the Liberty have been playing much better. Las Vegas is just 6-4 in its last 10 games, with a net rating of 3.1. In comparison, the Liberty is 9-1 with a net rating of 17.7.

But returning home to the Michelob Ultra Arena could be just what refreshes this team. Las Vegas is 16-2 at home and 9-1 against the East. Spread-wise, the Aces are 12-6 ATS. Its offense and especially its defense get a boost playing in its friendly confines. That’s why the totals have gone under in its last four home games.

The total here is pretty low, considering Washington’s struggles on their offense. But Las Vegas can’t afford just to play offense. This team is also playing to keep its number-one seed and to gain homecourt advantage in the WNBA Finals.

There is still plenty at stake for the Aces. So, even with their losing streak on the spread, this team might just mess around and return to form. The Aces are a 10-point favorite and a whopping -525 on the moneyline. The total is set at 168.5 flat.

For basketball betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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