Aces vs Sky Preview: Aces Eye Winning Streak as Form Improves, Struggling Sky Face Potential Losing Streak?

On September 4th at 10 AM, the WNBA regular season continues with the Las Vegas Aces hosting the Chicago Sky.

The Aces are the reigning champions but have shown a noticeable decline in performance this season compared to last, currently holding a record of 20 wins and 12 losses, ranking them fourth in the league. However, there is good news as the Aces have recently seen an improvement in form, securing consecutive big wins against the Dream and the Mercury, achieving a two-game winning streak. The Aces boast the strongest offensive firepower in the league, averaging 87.2 points per game, leading the league, but their defense has been poor, conceding an average of 82.7 points per game, ranking just seventh, making them a team with strong offense but weak defense.

The Aces’ lineup is star-studded, with Wilson being the top player in the league currently, averaging 27.5 points, 12 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game, all ranking within the top 5 in the league, with scoring and blocks leading the league. In the previous game against the Mercury, Wilson scored 41 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, recording over 40 points in 2 out of the last 3 games, showing an extremely hot form. Plum, Jackie Young, and Gray are also members of the U.S. women’s national basketball team, although Gray’s overall form since returning this season has been average, averaging only 7.5 points and 4.6 assists per game, ranking fifth in the team for scoring. Overall, the Aces’ offense mainly relies on their five starting players, with bench players being relatively weak.

The Sky’s recent form has been poor, suffering from a six-game losing streak, with a record of 11 wins and 21 losses, ranking eighth in the league, right at the edge of playoff contention, with the Dream having the same record as the Sky. To enter the playoffs, they can no longer afford any more losses. The Sky’s offensive capabilities are weak, averaging only 78.3 points per game, ranking second-to-last in the league, especially after the departure of Mabrey, the team lost another steady scoring option. The Sky’s average points conceded are 81.8, ranking sixth in the league, indicating decent defense. Looking at home and away records, the Sky’s away record (7 wins and 9 losses) is better than their home record (4 wins and 12 losses).

The Sky’s top scorer is Carter, averaging 17.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, but she has missed several recent games and remains questionable for this match. Rookie Reese averages 13.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounding, though her defensive attributes are stronger. Another rookie, Cadozo, averages 9.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. These two rookies support the Sky’s inside game. Due to Williams’ injury, only two players on the current Sky team are averaging double-digit scores, with Carter still questionable, the team lacks consistent scoring options, which is one reason for their poor recent performance. To win, the Sky need more scorers to step up.

This is the fourth meeting between the two teams this season. In the previous three meetings, the Aces won all three, but two of those games had point differences under 10. In the most recent encounter, despite leading by 13 points in the final quarter, the Aces were tied by the Sky and only narrowly won by 2 points thanks to Wilson’s buzzer-beater. This game still holds some suspense.

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