For the first time this season, the Aces will face the Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Friday. This game is one of the games of the WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup. Both teams have many new additions this year and are both finally getting chemistry and getting into their groove. Two young standouts who also host a podcast together and are both on the USA Olympic team will face each other in what is for sure to be a matchup to watch. Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces will be a key asset to their respected teams. Here is the Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx Matchup Preview.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces (10-3) are on a five-game winning streak after starting the season off with two losses to the Seattle Storm. The Aces do not seem like they are slowing down anytime soon. From reigning MVP A’ja Wilson to evolving guard Jackie Young to Kelsey Plum and Liz Cambage; who were out last season, this Aces team has talent. Not to mention two new additions from free agency Chelsea Gray and Riquna Williams; arguably this team is better than ever now that their on-court chemistry is finally present.
Expect the Aces to play through Cambage and Wilson since this duo will be hard to guard especially off the high-low move. Especially since Cambage will be the tallest on the floor, expect her to have a high rebounding and scoring game. Wilson is also becoming a more versatile shooter so expect great offense from her. The Aces’ guards have been playing tremendously well. Either Young or Plum should have a stand-out game like they have been doing to bring Aces to success. The Aces must limit turnovers and play solid defense to shut down the Lynx’s offense if they want to add to the win collum. The bench has been a huge role for the Aces so if Dearica Hamby and Plum play well in addition to the starters, then the Aces should pull out a win.
Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx (6-7) are coming off an 87-85 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday. Like the Aces, the Lynx is a very new team with many new additions. On top of that, the Lynx have been dealing with injuries like Rennia Davis, Natalie Achonwa, and Aerial Powers. But with the addition of former Aces guard Kayla McBride and now that Collier is back from overseas; this Lynx team is slowly finding out how they work best and now it is finally showing on the court.
In addition to McBride and Collier, Sylvia Fowles is the vet of the team. Expect a great performance from Fowles even though the Aces have tough post players, Fowles is hard to guard. Expect Collier as well to have a standout game. One new Lynx, Layshia Clarendon, has brought a new wave of energy for the team. Another hidden gem for the team is Damiris Dantas; even though the Aces are post-talented, post play will be key for the Lynx if they want to pull out a win.
The Lynx have a pretty solid offensive team; so the defense will definitely be a key if they want to win. Stopping the Aces on offense and forcing them to make turnovers will be a good way to get easy steals. If the Lynx utilizes their offensive talents and plays good defense, then the Lynx should pull out a win.
Who Will Win?
I think this game will be a tight one, but only one team can come out on top. Both teams have had some major changes in the off-season and are dealing with injuries that affected the team’s dynamics. But I believe that the Las Vegas Aces will win. The Lynx have so many injuries and are still getting into their groove while the Aces seem to have found what works best for them. And it is showing on the win collum. The Aces have a widespread amount of talent on and off the bench that is hard to beat. Make sure to tune in on Facebook or MYLVTV at 8 pm ET on Friday to watch this exciting matchup.
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