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Mystics vs. Aces WNBA Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Thursday, July 4
It's been a rough 2024 season for the Washington Mystics, as they've dealt with injuries to some important players – Shakira Ausin and Brittney Sykes – which has limited their ceiling.
After starting the season 0-12, the Mystics are 5-3 in their last eight games, but they still find themselves as massive underdogs on the road against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
Las Vegas recently got Chelsea Gray back in the lineup, and it has won five games in a row to improve to 11-6 on the season, one game back of the No. 4 seed in the W.
Does Las Vegas handle business again at home?
Here's a look at the odds, key players to watch and my best bet for this matchup on July 4.
Spread
Moneyline
Total
Aaliyah Edwards: The future in Washington should be based around rookie Aaliyah Edwards. The young forward has been forced to step in for the injured Shakira Austin a lot this season, and she's averaging 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Edwards has come off the bench in the last two games for Washington.
A'ja Wilson: Wilson is running away with the MVP award, currently sitting at -600 at DraftKings Sportsbook due to her strong play in 2024. The Aces star is averaging 27.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from 3-point range.
Washington hasn't lost a game by 17 or more points since it lost to Connecticut on June 4, and I think oddsmakers are giving the Aces a tough task by asking them to cover a 16.5-point spread.
These teams played on June 29 in Washington, and the Aces won that game by 11 points. However, Las Vegas is just 6-4 straight up at home, showing it is not nearly as dominant as it was last season.
Gray being back certainly takes Las Vegas to another level, but she's struggled with her shot (7.8 points per game) since returning.
Washington is playing much better basketball as of late, ranking fifth in the league in net rating (one spot behind the Aces) since it picked up its first win of the season.
While I don't think an upset is in the cards, Washington can certainly cover in this game. The Mystics are now 12-6-1 against the spread after beating the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday.
Pick: Mystics +16.5 (-110)
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Mystics vs. Aces WNBA Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Thursday, July 4 .
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This story was originally published July 3, 2024, 11:51 AM.