Published: October 5, 2023, 09:55h.
Last updated: October 5, 2023, 09:55h.
The WNBA Finals will feature a matchup between the top two teams in the league. The defending champion Las Vegas Aces are favored to win the championship with -200 odds. They are aiming to win back-to-back titles, while the New York Liberty hope to secure their franchise’s first championship.
The WNBA Finals is a best-of-five series that will commence in Las Vegas this Sunday.
The Aces dominated at home this season, boasting a record of 19-1 in Sin City at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Casino. They will have the home-court advantage in Games 1, 2, and 5 (if necessary), while the finals will move to Brooklyn for Games 3 and 4 (if necessary).
Both the Aces and Liberty secured the top two seeds in the playoffs. The Liberty have a 5-1 record in the post-season, while the Aces remain unbeaten with a perfect 5-0 record.
The Aces opened Game 1 of the WNBA Finals as 4.5-point favorites over the Liberty, with a points total set at 172.5 for over/under betting. The intense competition between these two powerhouse teams has led to a surge in WNBA betting activity.
It is worth noting that Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, also owns the Aces. Earlier this year, Davis sold a minority stake to future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady upon his official retirement from the NFL.
Las Vegas Aces: Striving for Back-to-Back Titles
- Record: 34-6
- ATS Record: 21-19
- Playoff Seed: #1
- End of Season Title Odds: -150
- Current Title Odds: -200
The Aces possess one of the strongest triple-guard backcourts in WNBA history, complemented by the dominant presence of A’ja Wilson in the frontcourt. Wilson is averaging 25.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs, showcasing her exceptional skills. In the regular season, Wilson reached a career-high of 53 points, tying a WNBA record.
The Aces’ guards, Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum, both contribute an average of 16 points per game in the playoffs, while guard Jackie Young provides 15.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
“To see those three sacrifice for one another, it’s been a joy to watch,” said Wilson. “They can each go out and give you big scoring, easily. For them to sacrifice some shots for each other, it takes a lot of trust. I love my guards so much.”
In addition to her scoring prowess, Plum also averages 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game, with an impressive 42.1% success rate from beyond the arc. Young (41.4%) and Clark (42.9%) have also displayed strong three-point shooting in the playoffs.
The Aces swept the Chicago Sky in the first round of the playoffs, achieving an average margin of victory of 25 points. They continued their dominant run by sweeping the Dallas Wings in the semifinals, securing their place in the WNBA Finals for the third time in the last four years.
It’s important to note that veteran forward Candace Parker will not be available for the finals due to a fractured foot.
Head coach Becky
Source link