The playoff run is heating up, and New York has full liberty to try out its roster, but that isn’t the case with the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces aren’t trying to put any gambles in place, as the gap between the next teams in line is just 2 games. And more than that, it is Sandy Brondello and Becky Hammon—a coaching rivalry that’s been heating up since the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup and the WNBA Finals. Whenever these two meet, fireworks are guaranteed, and the roster of the two teams hints at the same.
It has been a week of records for the New York-based team. The Liberty are riding high after a massive 105-97 win over the in-form LA Sparks, posting the highest total of the season. But what makes the Liberty’s number interesting is, Sandy Brondello’s side has now won 4 of their last 5 games. The 56-year-old coach is celebrating her 100th win with the Liberty, tying Richie Adubato for the most in franchise history. Point to note, the Aces are 10-5 in home games, whereas the Liberty are 8-7 on the road.
Coming to the Aces, Becky Hammon’s side has finally found a way out, winning 4 in a row. Their last 10-game record (7-3), though, reflects better compared to that of Liberty (5-5). A’ja Wilson once again reminded everyone why she’s the reigning MVP, recording the first-ever 30-20 game in WNBA history during their 94-86 win over the Connecticut Sun. Two red-hot teams going head-to-head! This one promises fireworks. Here’s everything you need to know before tip-off.
New York Liberty vs Las Vegas Aces: Where to watch
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Watch on: ESPN
Streaming: Fubo, Paramount+, and ESPN+.
New York Liberty vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report
New York Liberty
Isabelle Harrison – OUT
Breanna Stewart – OUT
Nyara Sabally – OUT
Las Vegas Aces
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus – OUT
Probable Starting Lineups
New York Liberty
Leonie Fiebich
Jonquel Jones
Emma Meesseman
Natasha Cloud
Sabrina Ionescu
Las Vegas Aces
NaLyssa Smith
Kierstan Bell
A’ja Wilson
Chelsea Gray
Jackie Young
Prediction: Can A’ja Wilson lead the Aces to a victory?
The Aces and Liberty have met in the postseason the past two seasons. Las Vegas got the early edge, beating New York in the 2023 WNBA Finals, but the Liberty have taken control since. They not only avenged that loss in the 2024 semifinals, but have also remained unbeaten against A’ja Wilson and co in both games so far.
It will be interesting to see how A’ja Wilson performs, especially considering she’s scored 33 points across the two matchups so far. Point to be noted, A’ja hurt her wrist in the last game they played against each other. But while A’ja seems to be on one of her fairy tale streaks, the Liberty’s job becomes a bit harder with no Breanna Stewart on the team.
The Liberty, however, boasts the top scorer from the Olympics and the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP in their ranks now. Since joining New York, Emma Meesseman has been averaging 14.6 points, 4,5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. While the Liberty certainly misses Stewie, Meesseman has more than stepped up to fill her shoes.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Emma Meesseman of Belgium shoots during the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Group A match between Belgium and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Sydney Superdome, on September 26, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1427416433-scaled-1.jpg
The numbers make the picture pretty clear. The Liberty are averaging 86.4 points per game while holding opponents to 80.9, giving them an advantage on both ends of the floor. The Aces, on the other hand, score 82 points per game but allow 82.9, a rare case of a team giving up more than it puts up.
Yes, the Aces have a lot going for them. Home court advantage, good form, plus the fact that Breanna Stewart isn’t playing, but despite factoring in everything, ESPN still gives the Liberty a 56.8% chance of winning. The numbers back this prediction, and so do we. Who do you think will come out on top in this match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post New York Liberty vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report, Starting-5, Prediction and More on Tonight’s WNBA Preview appeared first on EssentiallySports.
