Aces must respond after blowout: prediction for Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces - 18.06.2026
Phoenix Mercury
Las Vegas Aces
On Thursday, the WNBA regular season brings the action to the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, where the Phoenix Mercury will host the Las Vegas Aces. The visitors enter as favorites, and after a crushing defeat to the Dallas Wings, Las Vegas has the perfect opportunity to quickly get back on track against one of the league’s most unpredictable teams.
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Phoenix Mercury: Copper leads the charge, but defense falters again
Phoenix Mercury fell to the Los Angeles Sparks 102-111, despite putting up a competitive fight on offense. The team shot 50.0% from the field and nailed 13 three-pointers, with Kahleah Copper delivering a sensational individual performance - 41 points and 10 rebounds in 38 minutes.
But the Mercury’s main issue remains: they allow way too much on defense. Phoenix gives up 86.8 points per game, lets opponents shoot 46.4% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc. Facing the Aces, who thrive on quick ball movement and punishing every late rotation, those numbers could spell disaster.
Las Vegas Aces: collapse against Dallas demands a strong response
The Las Vegas Aces were shockingly routed by the Dallas Wings, 66-96, falling short in almost every major category. The team hit only 5 of 21 from deep, lost the rebounding battle 31-41, and allowed the Wings to shoot 49.3% from the field - a result that’s not just a loss, but a wake-up call for a team of the Aces’ caliber.
Even so, the Aces’ season fundamentals remain rock solid. Las Vegas stands at 10-4, scores 90.2 points per game, shoots 48.2% from the field, and leads the league in assists. If, after that blowout, the Aces return to their trademark ball movement and first-half aggression, Phoenix will have a tough time keeping pace.
Match facts
- Las Vegas Aces lost to the Dallas Wings 66-96, shooting only 39.7% from the field and hitting 5 threes.
- Phoenix Mercury fell to the Los Angeles Sparks 102-111, despite 41 points from Kahleah Copper.
- The Aces average 90.2 points per game, while the Mercury allow opponents to shoot 46.4% from the field.
Las Vegas needs a win: prediction for Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
Phoenix at home can push the tempo, especially if Copper finds her shooting touch again and the Mercury hit threes like they did in their last outing. But that might not be enough for a win or even to cover the spread: Phoenix’s defense too often collapses against teams with elite ball movement.
Las Vegas, after that blowout loss to Dallas, should come out with a totally different level of focus. The Aces have more talent, a deeper offense, and a much higher ceiling if they quickly apply pressure through passing, rebounding, and early possessions. If the visitors shoot to their usual standards, this game could see the margin grow close to double digits.
