Highlights
Preview
PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Las Vegas Aces will look to extend their winning streak against a Portland Fire team seeking to reverse a skid when the teams meet Thursday at Moda Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. The Aces (8-3) enter the game with a balanced attack and the league’s most consistent performer. Portland (6-7) has dropped four of its last five, including a 89-72 loss at the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday. Aces forward A’ja Wilson has been a dominant force, recording a double-double in nine of her 10 games this season. In Las Vegas’ 101-91 victory over Seattle on Monday, Wilson logged 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. She has reached at least 20 points in all but one contest and averaged nearly 28 points across her last five games. Portland will rely on center Megan Gustafson to counter Wilson’s production in the paint. Gustafson posted 16 points and 11 rebounds against the Sparks on June 7, her third double-double of the season. She also scored 22 points in a win over Indiana on May 30. The Aces have won four straight since back-to-back losses to Dallas and Los Angeles in late May. Las Vegas defeated the Golden State Valkyries 84-79 on June 6 before topping the Storm. Portland is 3-4 at home this season. The Fire suffered a 95-77 loss to Golden State on June 2 and lost 78-72 to Phoenix on June 5. Aces guard Jackie Young added 29 points, six assists and three rebounds in the win over Seattle. Forward NaLyssa Smith contributed 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 97-94 Las Vegas victory. The Aces play at Minnesota on Saturday. Portland hosts Dallas on Saturday. The teams meet again at Moda Center on July 9.

