There isn’t a better matchup in the WNBA than watching Las Vegas Aces star, A’ja Wilson, take on Seattle Storm star, Breanna Stewart, in the WNBA semifinals.
A’ja Wilson vs. Breanna Stewart.
— WSLAM (@wslam) September 1, 2022
Best matchup in the WNBA, without a doubt. pic.twitter.com/xnoPxZUjaw
Both players have shown up in a big way to win a game for their respective teams, making today’s Game 3 as big as they come.
The Storm picked up a three-point win in Game 1, and they have a chance to take care of business at home and advance to the WNBA Finals with back-to-back wins. However, Vegas showed it won’t go quietly in Game 2, and it won three of the four meetings between these two teams in the regular season.
Do Stewart and the Storm have one last run in them in Sue Bird’s final season? Let’s jump into the odds for Game 3:
Aces vs. Storm Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Aces +1 (-110)
- Storm -1 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Aces: +100
- Storm: -120
Total:
- 167.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Aces vs. Storm Prediction and Pick
Stewart is known for her offensive prowess, but she is also an elite defender, and nearly willed the Storm to a victory in Game 2.
Breanna Stewart's offensive exploits make the headlines, but the WNBA All-Defensive First Teamer is just as impactful at that end as she and the Storm head home for Game 3.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 4, 2022
Stewart held the Aces without a basket in 10 field goal attempts as the primary defender in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/MGic1Mo0Jy
The Aces are the best offensive team in the WNBA this season, and they have a 114.3 offensive rating over their last 15 games, with Seattle coming in second in that category at 109.8.
So yes, the trio of Wilson, Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray is about as lethal as they come, but it’s worth noting the Storm have really improved on the offensive end since adding star center Tina Charles to the squad.
Charles dropped 17 points in Game 2, and she was the only player other than Stewart for Seattle in double figures.
The difference between these teams has come on the defensive end, where the Storm are third in their last 15 games while Las Vegas ranks eighth in the WNBA.
With the rotations shortened in the playoffs (Vegas played just seven players in Game 2), I think the Storm are well-equipped to hang with this high powered offense. I’ll back them as slight favorites at home in Game 3.
Lean: Storm ML (-120)
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.