Venue: Entertainment & Sports Arena — Washington, D.C.
Tip‑off: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
Surface: Hardwood
Capacity: ~4,200 (intimate, high‑energy environment)
Venue Profile — Entertainment & Sports Arena
One of the league’s most compact and loud venues:
Small seating bowl amplifies crowd noise, giving Washington a real home‑court edge.
Fast hardwood floor supports pace‑and‑space offenses.
Mystics home games trend lower‑scoring, driven by their defensive identity.
Las Vegas historically performs well in D.C., but Washington has stolen several close games in recent seasons.
Team Form & Statistical Profile
Las Vegas Aces (17‑7)
Last 5 Games: W‑W‑L‑W‑W Points Per Game: 89.3 Points Allowed: 81.4 Road Record: 8‑4
Team Identity
Elite offensive team
Heavy reliance on A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young
Strong spacing and three‑point volume
Improved defensive rotations compared to early season
One of the most efficient teams in the WNBA
Washington Mystics (12‑12)
Last 5 Games: L‑W‑W‑L‑L Points Per Game: 81.0 Points Allowed: 83.7 Home Record: 6‑6
Team Identity
Defense‑first approach
Heavy reliance on Elena Delle Donne, Ariel Atkins, and Shakira Austin
Strong half‑court execution
Struggle in transition defense
One of the most inconsistent teams in the league
Listed Injury Reports
Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson (F/C): Available — minor knee soreness
Kelsey Plum (G): Day‑to‑day — ankle
Chelsea Gray (G): Out — long‑term foot recovery
Alysha Clark (F): Day‑to‑day — hip
Megan Gustafson (C): Available — wrist wrap
Gray’s absence continues to impact Las Vegas’ playmaking depth.
Washington Mystics
Elena Delle Donne (F): Day‑to‑day — back tightness
Ariel Atkins (G): Available — minor shoulder soreness
Shakira Austin (C): Questionable — knee inflammation
Brittney Sykes (G): Out — ankle
Myisha Hines‑Allen (F): Day‑to‑day — foot
Washington’s injuries are more structurally damaging, especially Austin and Sykes.
Projected Starting Lineups
Las Vegas Aces
G: Kelsey Plum* G: Jackie Young F: Alysha Clark* F: A’ja Wilson C: Megan Gustafson
(*If Plum sits, Kierstan Bell starts; if Clark sits, Sydney Colson starts and Young shifts to SF.)
Washington Mystics
G: Ariel Atkins G: Jade Melbourne F: Elena Delle Donne* F: Myisha Hines‑Allen* C: Shakira Austin*
(*If Austin sits, Hines‑Allen moves to center and Emily Engstler starts at PF.)
Key Player vs Player Matchups
1. A’ja Wilson (LVA) vs Elena Delle Donne (WAS)
Two MVP‑caliber forwards.
Wilson dominates in face‑up scoring and rim protection
Delle Donne excels in efficiency and shot creation
If Delle Donne is limited, Washington loses its offensive anchor
Edge: Wilson
2. Jackie Young (LVA) vs Ariel Atkins (WAS)
Two elite two‑way guards.
Young thrives in pick‑and‑roll creation
Atkins is one of the league’s best perimeter defenders
This matchup will dictate pace
Edge: Young — due to offensive versatility.
3. Kelsey Plum (LVA) vs Jade Melbourne (WAS)
High‑volume scorer vs developing playmaker.
Plum is dangerous from deep
Melbourne struggles defensively against elite guards
Las Vegas will target this matchup repeatedly
Edge: Plum
4. Shakira Austin (WAS) vs Megan Gustafson (LVA)
Interior athleticism vs positional strength.
Austin excels in rim protection
Gustafson strong in post positioning
Austin’s health is a major swing factor
Edge: Austin — if fully active.
Recent Team Trends
Las Vegas Aces
4‑1 in last five
Scoring 90.0 PPG
Allowing 82.0 PPG
Road games trending Over
Elite fourth‑quarter execution
Washington Mystics
2‑3 in last five
Scoring 80.5 PPG
Allowing 85.0 PPG
Home games trending Under
Defensive inconsistency
Series History
All‑time: Aces lead 27‑22
Last 10 meetings: Aces lead 7‑3
At ESA: Aces 3‑2 in last 5
Aces won the last meeting (June 2026) by 12 points
Betting Trends
Aces ATS: 6‑4 in last 10
Mystics ATS: 4‑6 in last 10
Aces Overs: 7 of last 10
Mystics Overs: 5 of last 10
Aces ML on road: 7‑3 in last 10
Mystics ML at home: 5‑5 in last 10
GAME ODDS
Las Vegas Aces – 6
Washington Mystics 164.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026
