Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas (Paradise), Nevada
TV/Streaming: CBS / Paramount+
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
This is a high-stakes Western Conference clash between the league’s top team (Lynx, already playoff-clinched and holding the best record) and the defending-champion Aces, who sit third in the West.
Current Rosters (Key/Active Players)
Minnesota Lynx (Head Coach: Cheryl Reeve):
Core group features Napheesa Collier (F, elite two-way forward), Olivia Miles (G, high-usage scorer and playmaker ~19-20 PPG / 6 APG range), Kayla McBride (G, sharpshooting veteran), Natasha Howard (F/C, interior presence and rebounding), Courtney Williams (G, scoring and facilitation), Nia Coffey (F), Dorka Juhász (F), Maya Caldwell (G), Antonia Delaere (G), and depth pieces including Liatu King, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, and others.
Las Vegas Aces (Head Coach: Becky Hammon):
Led by A’ja Wilson (C, dominant ~25-26 PPG / 9-10 RPG with elite defense), Chelsea Gray (G, elite playmaker ~7 APG), Jackie Young (G, versatile scorer), NaLyssa Smith (F), Jewell Loyd (G), Stephanie Talbot (F), Brianna Turner (F/C), and supporting players such as Justine Pissott, Mai Yamamoto, and others on the active roster.
Injury Reports
Lynx:
Chloe Bibby (F): Day-to-day / Out (personal reasons; has missed recent games).
Emma Čechová (C): Out for season (torn ACL / right knee).
Additional notes have included occasional coach’s decisions for depth players.
Aces:
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (F): Out (concussion protocol).
Dana Evans (G): Out (leg).
Kierstan Bell (F): Out (personal).
Janiah Barker (F): Out for season (leg).
Recent active reports have shown some depth returning (e.g., Justine Pissott available in prior games). Statuses can change; confirm final reports closer to tip.
Recent Team Forms
Lynx (28-7 overall, excellent recent form, W3): The league’s best team by a clear margin with elite net rating. They defeated the Aces 98-87 at home on Aug. 8 (Miles and Collier stood out; strong 3-point shooting) and followed with wins over Dallas and at Portland. High-powered offense (~92+ PPG) paired with top-tier defense. Road form remains strong.
Aces (24-11 overall, W2): Solid but trailing the Lynx in the standings. Recent results include a pair of home wins over Washington after earlier losses at Minnesota and New York. Wilson continues to dominate, supported by Gray and Young. Home-court advantage at Michelob ULTRA Arena is a factor, though they have been inconsistent in some stretches.
Series History
The teams split their earlier 2026 meetings: Aces won a close home game in June (100-97), while Lynx responded with a convincing 98-87 home victory on Aug. 8. Minnesota has the overall edge this season and in recent head-to-head form. These matchups are typically competitive, physical, and high-level given the talent on both sides.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Napheesa Collier vs. A’ja Wilson: The premier individual battle. Collier’s versatility, scoring, and defense against Wilson’s interior dominance, rebounding, and shot-blocking. Both are MVP-caliber forces.
Olivia Miles / Courtney Williams / Kayla McBride vs. Chelsea Gray / Jackie Young: Perimeter creation and shooting. Miles’ scoring/playmaking and McBride’s 3-point threat against Gray’s orchestration and Young’s athleticism.
Natasha Howard / Nia Coffey vs. NaLyssa Smith / Aces frontcourt: Physical interior play, rebounding, and secondary scoring.
Overall: Lynx hold advantages in balance, depth, and efficiency; Aces rely on star power (especially Wilson) and home energy. Defensive intensity and 3-point shooting will be decisive.
Betting Trends
Lynx have been strong ATS overall and recently covered against the Aces. High-scoring potential exists given both teams’ offensive ratings, though defensive focus in rematches can temper totals. Home underdog value sometimes appears for Aces in big games, but Lynx’s superior record and recent H2H win favor the road favorite. Public and sharp money often lean toward the better team in such matchups.
GAME ODDS
Minnesota Lynx – 1.5
Las Vegas Aces 182.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 14, 2026
