The Washington Mystics host the Las Vegas Aces Wednesday night in a game that pits the WNBA’s youngest team against one of the league powers.
Tip off is 7:30 p.m. ET at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. Watch on Monumental Sports Network or league pass.
Washington ran their record to 13-12 with a split of its recent two-game road series against the Golden State Valkyries.
What to Watch
For the Mystics, the focus is the development of youngsters: Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, and it’s gone quite well. Iriafen provides
interior scoring and rebounding, Citron is a versatile and productive guard. Both will play in Saturday’s WNBA All-Star game.
Fifth-year big Shakira Austin arguably should be joining her teammates in the All-Star game.
Las Vegas is the defending WNBA champion and are one of the league’s top teams again. The Aces are built around superstar center A’ja Wilson, as well as forward NaLyssa Smith, and a dynamic backcourt duo (Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray). Their combo of experience, offensive firepower, and solid defense makes them a tough matchup.
While Washington figured to be in a rebuilding phase entering the season, they’re in position to battle for a postseason spot. They currently hold a 2.5-game lead for the eighth and final spot in the WNBA playoffs. Victory against the Aces would signal they’re serious about holding that spot and perhaps moving up in the standings.
The Mystics are a strong defensive team (third in defensive rating) that struggles on offense (second worst offensive rating). They lack shooting and shot creation inside and outside the three-point line — needs they’ll likely address in the offseason if the front office is unable to make a deal or two at the trade deadline.
