WNBA Game Preview: Washington Mystics (7-8) vs. Las Vegas Aces (6-7)

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Game Details

Matchup: Washington Mystics (7–8) vs. Las Vegas Aces (6–7)

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Tip-Off Time: 10:00 PM ET

Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Broadcast: Amazon Prime Video, WNBA League Pass, Vegas 34 (local)

Game Context & Storylines

The Mystics enter this matchup riding a wave of momentum, having won three of their last four, including a gritty 68–64 win over the Minnesota Lynx. Rookie standouts Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have emerged as key contributors, while Shakira Austin is coming off back-to-back dominant performances. The Aces, meanwhile, are navigating their first back-to-back of the season after facing the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday. Despite a slow start to 2025, A’ja Wilson continues to dominate, and Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young are heating up offensively. Las Vegas is 4–3 at home but has struggled to close out tight games.

Projected Starting Lineups

Washington MysticsLas Vegas Aces
Brittney Sykes (G)Chelsea Gray (G)
Sonia Citron (G)Jackie Young (G)
Kiki Iriafen (F)Jewell Loyd (G)
Shakira Austin (F)A’ja Wilson (F)
Stefanie Dolson (C)Kiah Stokes (C)

Players to Watch

Washington Mystics

Brittney Sykes: 19.6 PPG, 4.8 APG – questionable with injury but leads team in scoring

Sonia Citron: 14.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG – 27-point breakout vs. Dallas

Kiki Iriafen: 13.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG – top 5 among WNBA rookies in both categories

Shakira Austin: 11.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG – 28 points vs. Atlanta, 19 vs. Minnesota

Las Vegas Aces

A’ja Wilson: 21.1 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.6 BPG – 2nd in WNBA scoring and rebounding

Jackie Young: 18.5 PPG – 29 straight free throws made

Chelsea Gray: 14.2 PPG, 3.8 APG – 18 points on 67% shooting vs. Indiana

Jewell Loyd: 11.4 PPG – averaging 15.0 PPG over last 5 games

Team Stats & Trends

CategoryMysticsAces
Record7–86–7
Points Per Game78.780.2
Points Allowed79.982.9
FG%43.2%39.8%
3PT%33.9%34.7%
Rebounds Per Game36.132.9
Turnovers Per Game14.913.0

Washington is 9–6 against the spread this season, while Las Vegas is just 4–9 ATS.

Las Vegas has the edge at home, but Washington’s frontcourt depth and recent form make this a potential upset alert. Expect Wilson vs. Iriafen to be a marquee matchup in the paint. If Sykes plays, the Mystics could cover the spread.

How to Watch Mystics vs Aces – June 26, 2025

TV Channels: Amazon Prime Video, Vegas 34 (local)

Streaming: WNBA League Pass, FuboTV

Radio: Aces Radio Network, Mystics Radio Network

GAME ODDS

Washington Mystics       162

Las Vegas Aces                  – 8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 25, 2025

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WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.