WNBA Picks Today: Best Bets for Sky vs. Aces and Lynx vs. Liberty

The Las Vegas Aces just beat the Chicago Sky in the Windy City six days ago. Now the scene turns to Sin City as the two clubs go at it again on Friday night.

Aces star A’ja Wilson is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. That would be an equalizer in terms of the talent difference if the four-time MVP isn’t on the floor.

The Minnesota Lynx visit the New York Liberty in Friday’s lone other contest. The Liberty are feeling pretty good after beating Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup title game on Tuesday.

CHICAGO SKY AT LAS VEGAS ACES

Wilson excelled when Las Vegas posted a 107-99 win over Chicago on Sunday as she piled up 30 points, 15 rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots. That stat line never previously occurred in WNBA history. Take all that production out of the lineup and the Sky (6-13) might have a chance at the upset.

If Wilson is sidelined, Jackie Young will take over as the prime scorer and she had 28 points, eight assists and five rebounds against the Sky. She followed up with 31 points and seven assists in the loss to New York and has scored 20 points in five of the past six games. She had 19 in the other for the Aces (14-5).

Chicago has seen recent improvement from center Kamilla Cardoso, who has made 23 of 28 shots (82.1%) over the past two games. Cardoso was a record 13-of-13 shooting while scoring a career-best 30 points in a victory over the Portland Fire on June 26 before having 24 on 10-of-15 shooting against Las Vegas.

Azura Stevens fared well against the Aces with 24 points and six rebounds. The Sky recently won consecutive games against the expansion Fire after losing 11 of their previous 12. Wilson or not, Chicago isn’t hitting on a winner in Las Vegas.

Aces minus 9.5 points spread, -105 (DraftKings)

MINNESOTA LYNX AT NEW YORK LIBERTY

Minnesota (15-4) owns the best record in the WNBA, which is borderline amazing considering two-time MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier (surgery on both ankles) hasn’t played yet this season. You would think the Lynx would have four or five fewer victories without their star attraction.

One reason why Minnesota is thriving is that rookie point guard Olivia Miles is starring right out of the box and is averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Someday, they will be asking how was Miles only the No. 2 pick in the draft. Dallas chose Azzi Fudd, a close associate of Paige Bueckers, instead of somebody who appears to be a lot better player.

New York (12-8) had lost four of five games before winning the Commissioner’s Cup (which doesn’t count in the standings) and perhaps the win will awaken the team from its slumber. Sabrina Ionescu’s presence certainly did against Las Vegas as she had season bests of 26 points and five 3-pointers. She has missed time with foot and back injuries this season.

Breanna Stewart had 25 points and 11 rebounds against the Aces and she might have increased operating room with Collier not on the floor. Still, Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve just continues to figure out a way to silence opponents.

Lynx minus 2.5 points spread, -102 (DraftKings)