Additional Coverage:
- A’ja Wilson expected to dominate as Aces face Golden State Valkyries in only WNBA game on schedule (foxnews.com)
Last night delivered an intense NBA Game 7, and today the spotlight shifts to the WNBA with a single matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries.
Basketball fans will gladly take any action on the court, though the WNBA’s scheduling-with some days hosting just one game and others many more-often raises questions. Regardless, this game promises excitement, featuring the reigning powerhouse Aces against a promising Valkyries squad.
The Las Vegas Aces have established themselves as a WNBA dynasty, boasting star player A’ja Wilson, a perennial MVP and Defensive Player of the Year candidate. While the team recently parted ways with key contributor Kelsey Plum, they’ve maintained a deep roster that propelled them to three championships in four years.
After a sluggish start last season, they surged late to claim the title. This year, they stumbled in their opener against the Mercury but followed that with four consecutive wins.
Recently, however, the Aces have dropped two games-one to the Sparks, led by former Ace Plum, and another to the rising Dallas Wings. Despite these setbacks, the Aces know how to elevate their game when it counts, and early-season losses rarely define their trajectory.
On the other side, the Golden State Valkyries had an impressive inaugural season, setting attendance records and establishing a solid fan base. Their current 5-2 record shows they’re not just a novelty; they’re competitive. They’ve already secured wins against strong opponents like the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty-teams expected to contend for playoff spots.
The Valkyries’ core consists of Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, and Janelle Salaun, who collectively contribute around 45 points per game-over half of the team’s average scoring. Salaun primarily provides a scoring spark off the bench, while the rest of the roster focuses on disciplined play with minimal turnovers.
One notable challenge in the WNBA continues to be officiating, often criticized for inconsistency compared to the NBA. The Aces’ head coach, Becky Hammon, recently voiced frustration over the referees’ calls, earning a fine in the process. Historically, such fines are followed by more favorable calls for the team in subsequent games, which could benefit the Aces tonight.
Still, the Aces likely won’t need any extra help. Wilson has been nearly unstoppable against the Valkyries, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds across four matchups-even during some off-shooting nights.
Expect her to dominate the glass and scoring column once again. Betting on Wilson to exceed her combined points and rebounds total of 33.5 looks like a smart play.
For ongoing sports betting insights and analysis, follow David on social media.