​Want to see more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here. The last 10 days underscored A’ja Wilson’s value to the Aces, as Las Vegas went 1-2 without her. With the reigning MVP possibly back in action tonight at the Moda Center, Becky Hammon’s squad enters as a steep -380 favorite against the Portland Fire. Here are my top Aces vs. Fire predictions, backing Las Vegas to regain their rhythm and secure a solid bounce-back win. Read on for my free WNBA picks and betting tips for this July 9 matchup.
Las Vegas started the season 15-7, fueled by a 9-3 road record, including a 105-89 win over Portland last month. I’m expecting a similar script in this rematch, as Wilson works her way back from an ankle injury while Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young step into supporting roles. The Aces have won 10 of the last 12 games in which Wilson has played, while Portland had dropped three straight before their Saturday victory in Seattle. If the line rises to 9.5, I’d still back Las Vegas to cover.
Covers intel suggests the Aces are 7-4 against the spread on the road this season, averaging 91.8 PPG away from home — third-best in the league. I anticipate Las Vegas shedding a rough stretch and piercing a Fire defense that allows 91.3 PPG, tied for second-most in the WNBA. Expect the Aces’ balanced offense to tilt the scales. Gray poured in nine 3-pointers against Portland in June en route to 29 points, and she’s exceeded 15+ points in three of her last seven games. Young is shooting 36% from beyond the arc this season and has hit Over 1.5 three-pointers in five of her previous eight games. In their prior meeting, Las Vegas shot 14-for-28 from three.
Aces moneyline: Las Vegas to win outright.
Player props to consider:
– Chelsea Gray Over 13.5 points
– Jackie Young Over 1.5 3-pointers
Carla Leite has emerged as Portland’s leading scorer early in their WNBA season, averaging 20.0 PPG over her last five games, boosted by a 32-point performance in the 4-OT win against the Washington Mystics. She’s also getting to the free-throw line at a high rate, with 46 free throws across her last five outings, making the over on this prop seem appealing.
Las Vegas struggled to contain Kelsey Mitchell in their Sunday loss to Indiana, and Leite should be able to drive to the lane even if Wilson returns tonight for Portland’s visitors.
Best bet recap:
– Best bet: 7-6, +1.45 units
– SGP: 2-11, -3.75 units
– Player prop: 1-1, -0.2 units
– Spread: Las Vegas -8.5 | Portland +8.5
– Moneyline: Las Vegas -380 | Portland +300
– Over/Under: Over 174.5 | Under 174.5
– The Over hit in five of Portland’s last six games.
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date: Thursday
For better SEO and clarity, this recap consolidates key angles: Aces’ edge with Wilson back, road production metrics, the Fire’s scoring leader Leite, and relevant player props.