Highlights
Preview
PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Las Vegas Aces look to extend their dominance over the Chicago Sky when the two teams meet Friday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Las Vegas (14-5) enters as a double-digit favorite, with a spread of minus-10.5 and an over/under of 178.5, according to sportsbooks. The Aces have won four of their last five, including a 107-99 victory over the Sky on June 28. A’ja Wilson powered that win with 30 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in 34 minutes. For the season, Wilson has posted five 30-point games and consistently dominates the paint. Chicago (6-13) has lost nine of its last 11 and sits near the bottom of the league standings. The Sky are averaging 84.3 points per game but allow 96.6, ranking among the worst defensive teams in the WNBA. Kamilla Cardoso has been a bright spot for Chicago. The rookie center scored 24 points with eight rebounds in the loss to Las Vegas on June 28. Cardoso has averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds over her last 10 games, with three double-doubles in that span. The Sky will need a complete effort to keep up with the high-powered Aces. Las Vegas is averaging 93.2 points per game, led by Wilson and guards Jackie Young (28 points, five rebounds, eight assists in the June 28 win) and Chelsea Gray (18 points, six rebounds, eight assists). Chicago got 24 points and six rebounds from Azura Stevens and eight assists from Courtney Vandersloot in that same game. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 95-82 Aces victory, consistent with pregame expectations. The Sky’s next 10 games include road trips to Phoenix, Los Angeles and Dallas before a return home against Seattle. The Aces host Indiana on July 5 and travel to Portland on July 9. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. Eastern.

