The New York Liberty are set to host the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday afternoon in a pivotal regular-season clash. New York, currently riding a three-game winning streak, aims to defend their home court against the reigning WNBA champions.
This marks the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the two teams. The Liberty have won two of the previous three encounters, including the Commissioner's Cup final in late June. However, the Aces secured a victory against the Liberty on July 30.
Las Vegas, led by A'ja Wilson, enters the game following a loss on Saturday and is in the midst of a demanding schedule, playing their third game in four days. This fatigue could be a significant factor against a well-rested Liberty squad that has won six of its last seven games.
Oddsmakers have positioned the Liberty as slight 1.5-point favorites. Both teams boast potent offenses, with the Liberty averaging 90.1 points per game and the Aces leading the league at 91.8 points per game. Wilson is the league's leading scorer at 26.6 points per outing, while the Liberty counter with Breanna Stewart, who ranks third in scoring at 21.6 points per game, complemented by Sabrina Ionescu's playmaking.
The Liberty are expected to utilize Jonquel Jones to defend Wilson, aiming to disrupt the Aces' star player. Despite the Aces' strong record against the spread after a defeat, their current travel and schedule demands present a challenge.
With the advantage of rest and motivation for revenge after their recent loss to Las Vegas, the Liberty are expected to start strong and secure a victory on their home court.