Aces vs. Storm Preview: Star-Studded Starting Lineups Clash – Can the Storm Challenge the Aces Without Magbegor?

On September 23 at 10 AM, the first game of the WNBA Playoffs Round 1 will see the Las Vegas Aces host the Seattle Storm.

The Aces are the defending champions, though their performance this season has declined compared to last year, particularly in the first half where they struggled significantly. Thankfully, with the return of Gray, their record improved markedly, finishing the regular season with a 27-13 record and ranking fourth in the league. They won nine out of their last ten games, showcasing an impressive form. The Aces remain the league’s top offensive team, averaging 86.4 points per game, but also concede an average of 80.9 points, indicating a clear strength in offense over defense.

While the Aces boast four members of the US women’s national basketball team, the core player is undoubtedly Wilson, who averages 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game. Her scoring and blocking lead the league, while her rebounding ranks second and steals third, setting several new WNBA records. Plum averages 17.8 points and 4.2 assists, Jackie Young scores 15.8 points and provides 5.3 assists, while Gray has been less impactful with only 8.6 points and 4.9 assists on average. Veteran Hayes has shown good form, averaging 9.5 points. Though the bench depth for the Aces is not particularly strong, they still managed to defeat the Wings using only substitutes in their final regular-season game, demonstrating the bench players’ capabilities.

This season, after acquiring Ogwumike and Diggins-Smith, the Storm’s strength has noticeably increased, finishing with a 25-15 record and ranking fifth in the league, returning to the playoffs. The Storm maintain a balanced attack and defense, averaging 83.2 points per game (fifth in the league) and conceding just 78.8 points (fourth in the league). Their home record stands at 14 wins and 6 losses, while away it is 11 wins and 9 losses.

The leading scorer for the Storm is Loyd, averaging 19.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, although her shooting accuracy is average, especially from beyond the arc at only 27%, making her heavily reliant on her shooting touch. Ogwumike averages 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds, Diggins-Smith contributes 15.1 points and 6.4 assists, and Magbegor adds 11.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, serving as a key defensive anchor in the paint. Gabby Williams averages 10.3 points. While the starting five for the Storm are very strong, the bench depth is somewhat lacking, with Huston and veteran Whitcomb being the main scoring options off the bench. Due to Magbegor’s concussion, she will not play in this game, which significantly increases the pressure on the Storm’s interior defense against Wilson and company.

Both teams feature multiple All-Star players and rely primarily on their starting five, sharing a similar style of play. In their four regular-season matchups, the Aces won three out of four, and in the last ten meetings, the Aces have dominated with a 9-1 record. With Magbegor’s absence, the Storm face a significant challenge in defeating the Aces on the road.

>>”>More predictions for this game can be found here>>>