The Las Vegas Aces may have a weak defense yet their scores are intact while the Atlanta Dream continues to lack the capability to match the teams in most matchups. However, from their last matchup against the Aces, Allisha Gray would be looking to once again win against A’ja Wilson and Co. in a game on July 12.

The Atlanta Dream (7-14) would look to snap a three-game losing streak by hosting the Las Vegas Aces at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, in front of their home audience, pitting their star Allisha Gray against A’ja Wilson and the title-contending Aces. How are the other players that the spectators will see on the court?

Players to Watch

Allisha Gray has still maintained her spot as the driving force for the Dream with 16.3 points per game through the balance of her work on the court: 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Gray has been a consistent performer scoring 19+ points in each of her last five games. Keeping herself at this level could prove key to the Dream’s chances of pulling off an upset.

For the Aces, it’s still A’ja Wilson at the core of their on-court success. She dominates games with her presence, which is reflected in her massive 26.9 points and 11.3 rebounds per game averages. What really sets her apart is the two-way effect: she marches in both steals and blocks, making her the nightmare at both ends for opponents with 1.9 per game in steals and 2.7 per contest in blocks. This battle, Gray versus Wilson, may very well be what dictates which way the game goes.

Another player to look out for is Jackie Young of Las Vegas. She has been the primary facilitator with an average of 5.7 assists per game, while at the same time being able to add a respectable amount of points by herself with 19.1 per game. This allows them to create trouble for many while being a scoring threat in her own right, making the Aces’ offense even more formidable. So, who a win be possible for the former defending champions?

Prediction

The Las Vegas Aces enter with an obvious clear advantage to their side, as they hold the WNBA’s best offense to this point at 89.1 PPG with a +118 scoring differential, while the Atlanta Dream rank 12th in scoring, averaging 75.5 PPG with a scoring differential of -111 and having lost eight of their last ten games.

The teams both have vulnerabilities on the defensive end, as Vegas allows an average of 84 points per game on the road and Atlanta averages 85 points per game at home over the last five. So, this has a chance to be a high-scoring game. This should be enough for Las Vegas to come out with a comfortable enough win by the end despite Atlanta’s home-court advantage.

As exciting as this fixture is expected to be, there are some players who are currently sitting outside of the hardwood action because of injuries.

Injury Report

From the Aces, Kierstan Bell is out due to sustaining a leg injury during a game against the Connecticut Sun and her return is yet not confirmed.

Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard is out who suffered an ankle injury during the game against the Minnesota Lynx. The situation is such that she has been sidelined from the upcoming games as she undergoes the treatment and rehabilitation processes. Jordin Canada also faces a finger injury, during the game against the New York Liberty. This has her ruled out till the Olympic break.

Additionally, Laeticia Amihere and Aerial Powers are also ruled out for the game against Las Vegas Aces.

Starting 5

Las Vegas Aces: A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Kiah Stokes

Atlanta Dream: Allisha Gray, Tina Charles, Cheyenne Parker, Nia Coffey, Aari McDonald

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.