The Las Vegas Aces have dominated the Los Angeles Sparks since the franchise moved to Vegas in 2018. Well, the Sparks started out 4-2 against the Aces, but that quickly flipped. The Aces have won 10 straight in the series dating back to Aug. 31, 2019. The two teams meet again on Thursday, and there may be a sign the Sparks are turning a corner.
Here is a breakdown of each team, odds, WNBA picks, and our Aces vs Sparks prediction.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks Information
Las Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks
Location of the game: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date & Time: Thursday, May 25, 2023, 10:00 p.m. ET
How to watch: CBS Sports, Spectrum SportsNet, Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network
Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks Recent Scores
The Aces dominated an established rival in the Seattle Storm, 105-64, to open the season. Though that Storm team lost Sue Bird to retirement and Breanna Stewart to free agency, it really is a major rebuild in Seattle as they are one of the worst WNBA teams.
The WNBA Los Angeles Sparks opener was a surprising 94-71 win over the Phoenix Mercury. It was an emotional opener for the Mercury, who had the return of Brittney Griner after she was detained in Russia for ten months. Still, the Sparks capitalized and got in the win column.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks Betting Analysis
Aces must play within themselves
Coming off the WNBA championship can be difficult. Being the favorites to win again is something Las Vegas Aces players are downplaying, especially after adding former MVP and champion Candace Parker. While they lost other teammates off last year’s title team, they were the preseason favorites to win it all again and proved how good they are in the season opener.
The best way to combat the mental side of the game is to play within themselves and their system. One game into the season, the Aces are first in scoring (105 points) and scoring defense (64 points allowed). They lead the league in field goal percentage (54.8%) and 3-point percentage (61.1%), rebounding (50.0 per game), and defensive efficiency (32.1% on field goals).
Sparks must seize the moment
While the Sparks finished 13-23 last season, they were two games out of the playoff spot. They have already gained ground by beating the Mercury in an emotional game that may help them later on.
They are second in scoring (94 points) and third in scoring defense (71). But they were 10th in allowing Phoenix to make 40.7% of field goals and seventh with allowing 30.0% on 3-pointers. The offensive efficiency was good, though, ranking second on 40.9% 3-point shooting.
Updates
Riquna Williams (back) is out for the Aces, which has no impact on our Aces vs Sparks prediction. Meanwhile, the Sparks are without Katie Lou Samuelson (personal), Jasmine Thomas (knee), and Azura Stevens (back), who was hurt in the opener. Guard Nia Couden (undisclosed) is questionable.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks Betting Preview
Moneyline
The WNBA odds show the Aces are heavy favorites at -1200 on the moneyline and -13.5 on the spread. The Aces, of course, are the preseason championship favorites to repeat after adding Parker to a strong core, and in their one win, they looked pretty unbeatable against an inferior opponent.
Over/Under
The over/under is 172.5 points with -110 spreads on either side. The Aces’ implied points total is 93 points, while the Sparks’ implied points total is 79.5 points, with -115 odds on either side of those spreads.
Through one game apiece, both the Sparks and Aces are 1-0 against the spread and on over/unders.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks Betting Prediction
While 54% of bettors are on the Sparks, our Aces vs Sparks prediction is the Aces win outright and cover the sizable 13.5 points.
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