Tip-off 10:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
This is the regular-season finale for both teams. The Aces have clinched a top-4 seed and are playing for potential seeding improvements (including a shot at the No. 2 seed depending on other results). The Mercury have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Current Player Rosters
Las Vegas Aces:
Centered around A’ja Wilson (elite scoring and rebounding, ~26 PPG range in recent data), Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray (playmaking), and supporting pieces. Depth has been impacted by season-long injuries but the core remains strong.
Phoenix Mercury:
Led by Kahleah Copper (recent 31-point outing) and Alyssa Thomas (scoring, rebounding, and elite assists). Other contributors include Natasha Mack and supporting cast.
Scheduled Tip-Off Time and Broadcast10:00 p.m. ET on USA Network, CNBC, and regional options (AZFamily / The Spot).
Listed Injury Reports
Las Vegas Aces:
NaLyssa Smith (F, leg) – Out for season.
Janiah Barker (F, leg) – Out for season.
Phoenix Mercury:
Kelsey Plum (G, lower leg) – Out for season.
Jovana Nogic (G) – Out for season (not injury-related / overseas).
Additional day-to-day notes in some reports for secondary players (e.g., foot/concussion concerns), but Plum is the primary absence.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
A’ja Wilson (Aces) vs. Alyssa Thomas / Kahleah Copper (Mercury): Wilson’s two-way dominance against Thomas’s all-around game and Copper’s scoring punch.
Jackie Young / Chelsea Gray vs. Mercury perimeter defenders: Aces’ backcourt playmaking and scoring vs. Phoenix’s remaining guards.
Team styles: Aces feature high efficiency (strong FG%, assists, blocks) and score ~91 PPG while allowing fewer; Mercury average ~84 PPG with more variability.
Recent Team Forms
Las Vegas Aces: On a strong run (multiple consecutive wins, including recent victories over the Sparks, Storm, and others). Excellent overall form heading into the finale.
Phoenix Mercury: Mixed late-season results (recent win over Dallas featuring Copper’s 31 points; prior losses). Home record around 7-14.
Series History (2026)
Aces hold the edge in recent meetings, including a dominant 106-58 win on July 11. Earlier games were competitive, but Las Vegas has generally controlled the matchup.
Betting Trends
Trends favor the Aces heavily as road favorites due to superior record, recent form, and head-to-head results. Large spreads can be vulnerable if Las Vegas rests players with seeding largely secured. High totals reflect offensive capabilities on both sides.
GAME ODDS
Las Vegas Aces – 10
Phoenix Mercury 175.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, September 23, 2026
