Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Paradise, NV (Las Vegas)
TV/Streaming: WNBA League Pass (local options may include KMCC-TV / The Spot)
This is the third meeting of the 2026 season. The Aces swept the first two games in Connecticut in mid-May (98-69 on May 13 and 101-94 on May 15, with A’ja Wilson exploding for 45 points in the latter). The Sun are already eliminated from playoff contention; the Aces have clinched a playoff berth and are jockeying for seeding.
Current Rosters
Connecticut Sun (Head Coach: Rachid Meziane): Notable players include C Brittney Griner (#42), F Aaliyah Edwards (#8), C Olivia Nelson-Ododa (#10), G Leila Lacan (#47), F Diamond Miller (#1), G/F Kennedy Burke (#25), G Charlisse Leger-Walker (#4), G Saniya Rivers (#22), G Hailey Van Lith (#2), plus others such as Raegan Beers, Nell Angloma, Ashlon Jackson, and Gianna Kneepkens.
Las Vegas Aces (Head Coach: Becky Hammon): Core includes C A’ja Wilson (#22), G Jackie Young (#0), G Chelsea Gray (#12), G Jewell Loyd (#24), F NaLyssa Smith (#3), F Stephanie Talbot (#7), F/C Brianna Turner (#21), F Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (#32), G Dana Evans (#11), plus Kierstan Bell, Chennedy Carter (when available), and developmental players. Janiah Barker is out for the season.
Injury Reports
Sun: Brittney Griner – Questionable/Out (knee; did not play Aug. 18); Aaliyah Edwards – Questionable/Out (ankle; did not play Aug. 18). Both have been listed as questionable for Thursday in some reports.
Aces: Dana Evans – Out (leg; expected return around Aug. 23); Janiah Barker – Out for season (leg). Other recent issues (e.g., Parker-Tyus concussion protocol earlier) appear resolved or not currently limiting the core.
Recent Team Forms
Sun: Struggling overall (worst or near-worst record and offense in the league at ~79.4 PPG) but showed life with an 85-77 win over the Sparks on Aug. 18 at TD Garden (Olivia Nelson-Ododa 18 points/11 rebounds). Prior results: L 75-82 vs NYL, L 69-104 vs ATL, W 75-72 vs PHX, L 63-83 @ DAL. 3-7 in last 10; poor road record (3-13). Defense is middling, but scoring remains a major issue.
Aces: 5-5 in last 10 and coming off two straight losses (L 82-97 vs ATL on Aug. 18 with coach Becky Hammon ejected; L 87-92 vs MIN). Earlier home wins over Washington. Strong home record (11-7). Still elite offensively (~90.3 PPG, strong assists led by Gray) behind Wilson (~26.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG) and Young (hot recently at ~20.9 PPG over last 10).
Key Player Matchups
A’ja Wilson vs. Olivia Nelson-Ododa / Brittney Griner (if available): Wilson is the clear star and mismatch creator (scoring, rebounding, rim protection). Nelson-Ododa has stepped up with recent double-doubles; Griner’s presence (or absence) is pivotal for Connecticut’s interior defense and size.
Jackie Young / Chelsea Gray vs. Leila Lacan / Sun backcourt: Young and Gray run a high-assist offense. Lacan leads Sun scoring/playmaking (~11.6 PPG, 4.7 APG range) and will need support from Leger-Walker, Rivers, and others.
Jewell Loyd / supporting cast vs. Diamond Miller / Kennedy Burke: Perimeter scoring and defensive versatility battles. Aces’ depth and shooting efficiency give them a clear edge.
Rebounding and transition: Aces excel in assists and efficiency; Sun rely on effort and occasional hot shooting nights but rank near the bottom offensively.
Las Vegas holds major advantages in talent, experience, home court, and efficiency (48% FG vs. Sun’s 43%).
Series History
Aces lead the 2026 season series 2-0 with dominant early-season wins in Connecticut (including Wilson’s 45-point masterpiece). Historically, Las Vegas has owned recent matchups against Connecticut. This is likely the final regular-season meeting.
Betting Trends
Aces are strong home favorites and have covered large spreads against weaker teams earlier in the year.
Sun have been competitive ATS at times as big underdogs but struggle on the road and offensively.
Totals trend lower given Connecticut’s league-worst scoring and Aces’ occasional defensive lapses mixed with efficient but not always explosive recent output.
GAME ODDS
Connecticut Sun 166.5
Las Vegas Aces – 14.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, August 19, 2026
