It’s a different kind of electricity when two squads from the same conference collide. This time, it’s the Minnesota Lynx vs the Las Vegas Aces, on the home court of the league-leading Lynx. For Aces’ Jewell Loyd and Chelsea Gray, this might be their best shot yet to silence those whispers and turn the critics’ retirement talk into irrelevant background noise.
Adding to that, for A’ja Wilson, it’s a chance to flex her scoring muscle in a showdown with Napheesa Collier. An ultimate showdown between the league’s top two offensive forces, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in points per game. This matchup isn’t just about a win; it’s about who owns the West’s scoring crown. There’s a lot at stake, so let us break it down for you…
Where to Watch Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas Aces?
Date: 25 July, Friday
Time: 7:30 PM ET (Eastern Time)
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, or NBA TV, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). For viewers who are willing to opt for streaming services, you can watch it using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, and YouTube TV.
The Injury Report
Neither squad is facing any fresh injuries, so expect the same players to show up on the floor as in their last matchup.
Minnesota Lynx
Karlie Samuelson: Out (Foot)
Right before the Lynx’s Commissioner’s Cup final against the Fever, the franchise ruled out Samuelson due to a foot injury. She went down during the second quarter of their game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, June 29. It all happened within just 3:19 minutes of playing.
Las Vegas Aces
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus: Out (Not Injury Related, Maternity Leave)
Parker-Tyus continues to remain out as she is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her second child. The forward still plans to play this season, should the Aces qualify for the playoffs!
Predicted Starting Lineup
Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier: 33.2 MIN, 23.0 PTS, 7.6 REB, 3.4 AST, 1.7 BLK, 1.7 STL
Kayla McBride: 31.5 MIN, 14.5 PTS, 2.3 REB, 3.2 AST, 0.1 BLK, 0.7 STL
Courtney Williams: 28.6 MIN, 13.9 PTS, 5.1 REB, 6.0 AST, 0.3 BLK, 1.6 STL
Alanna Smith: 26.6 MIN, 9.6 PTS, 5.4 REB, 2.8 AST, 2.1 BLK, 1.1 STL
Bridget Carleton: 29.4 MIN, 6.8 PTS, 3.6 REB, 2.6 AST, 0.3 BLK, 1.1 STL
Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson: 30.6 MINS, 22.4 PTS, 9.3 REB, 3.3 AST, 2.4 BLK, 1.6 STL
Jackie Young: 29.7 MINS, 16.7 PTS, 4.1 REB, 4.1 AST, 0.4 BLK, 1.1 STL
Chelsea Gray: 30.3 MINS, 12.0 PTS, 4.0 REB, 4.5 AST, 0.6 BLK, 0.6 STL
Jewell Loyd: 30.0 MINS, 11.0 PTS, 4.3 REB, 2.0 AST, 0.1 BLK, 0.9 STL
NaLyssa Smith: 21.6 MINS, 7.4 PTS, 5.3 REB, 0.9 AST, 0.6 BLK, 0.9 STL
How the Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas Aces Might Go Down…
The Minnesota Lynx will enter this matchup looking exactly like the dominant Western Conference force they have been all season. They are sporting a league-best 21-4 record and riding a three-game win streak. With this, they have surely established themselves as the West’s pace-setters behind the WNBA’s toughest defense (allowing just 74.7 points per game). Moreover, Napheesa Collier is continuing to put up MVP-caliber production (23 points, 7.6 rebounds per game). But the team’s ultimate success stems from balanced contributions, crisp ball movement, and elite rim protection.
The Aces, by contrast, are struggling to stay afloat. At .500 (12-12) after dropping their last game to Indiana by double digits, they have failed to find a consistent rhythm. While A’ja Wilson remains dominant (22.4 points, 9.3 rebounds), she lacks sufficient support despite Jackie Young’s 16.7-point contributions and Chelsea Gray’s steady 4.5 assists. Moreover, Las Vegas’ offense has frequently stalled. Their 41.8% shooting and seven steals per game prove to be inadequate to overcome their mediocre record.
Finally, ESPN’s analytics give Minnesota a 71% win probability. Given the Lynx’s superior depth and current momentum versus Vegas’ defensive questions, that projection appears justified unless A’ja Wilson receives more help from her squad.
The post Minnesota Lynx vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report, Starting-5, Prediction, and More On Tonight’s WNBA Preview appeared first on EssentiallySports.
