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The defending champions Las Vegas Aces will be in Atlanta to square off against the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Reigning WNBA Finals MVP A'ja Wilson will be the star attraction for the game, as it will be the first meeting of the season between the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream.
Las Vegas started the season on a high and is currently the top-ranked team in the Western Conference. The Aces jumped to a 4-1 start after playing five games. Currently, Becky Hammon's group is on a two-game winning streak, with their latest victory coming against the Minnesota Lynx.
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Atlanta enjoyed a decent beginning to its campaign and is sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference. After five games, the Atlanta Dream have three wins and two losses on their resume. Atlanta registered a 73-67 win in their last fixture against the struggling Washington Mystics.
Las Vegas Aces vs Atlanta Dream: Preview, starting lineups and prediction
The first meeting of the season between Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream will take place at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Moneyline: Las Vegas Aces (-360) vs Atlanta Dream (+285)
Spread: Las Vegas Aces (-8) vs Atlanta Dream (+8)
Total (O/U): Las Vegas Aces (o172.5-110) vs Atlanta Dream (u172.5-110)
Las Vegas Aces vs Atlanta Dream: Game preview
The Las Vegas Aces, led by their superstar A'ja Wilson, have made a strong statement to begin their season. The Aces are aiming for a three-peat, and Wilson is leading the franchise's charge. She is second in the league in scoring (26.2 points per game), leads the league in rebounds (13.2 per game) and is third in blocks per game (2.6). Wilson has emerged as an early contender for the MVP award.
In the absence of Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young has been a revelation for the Las Vegas Aces. The 26-year-old point guard is leading the league in assists (8.2 per game). Kelsey Plum has been the Las Vegas Aces' third-leading scorer this season while rookie Kate Martin's ability to knock down corner 3s has provided a major boost to the team's offense.
On the contrary, Rhyne Howard is leading the Atlanta Dream's offense this season. The 24-year-old shooting guard is averaging 19.0 ppg and 6.2 rpg.
Along with Howard, Allisha Gray (16.2 ppg) has shared the scoring load for the Atlanta Dream, while Tina Charles (14 ppg) and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (12.6 ppg) are also vital contributors to the franchise's offense.
Against a well-oiled Las Vegas Aces team, the Atlanta Dream will need to put on a solid collective performance to have a chance at registering a win.
Las Vegas Aces vs Atlanta Dream: Starting lineups and depth charts
Las Vegas Aces Starting lineups and depth charts
Atlanta Dream Starting lineups and depth charts
*: Denotes players likely to be in the starting lineups
Las Vegas Aces vs Atlanta Dream: Prediction
The Atlanta Dream have played good ball to begin their season but on Friday the Eastern Conference team will face their biggest challenge. The Las Vegas Aces are firing on all cylinders and expect the defending champions to roll over the Atlanta Dream and register their fifth win of the season.
