Game: Las Vegas Aces at Phoenix Mercury
Date: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 8:10 PM EST
Venue: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ
Spread: Mercury -3.5
Total: 164.5
Aces and Mercury Set for WNBA Finals Showdown
The stage is set for a blockbuster WNBA Finals series as the Phoenix Mercury host the Las Vegas Aces for Game 1. After navigating a grueling regular season and intense playoff battles, these two titans will clash with a championship on the line. Phoenix enters as a narrow 3.5-point favorite at home, setting the tone for what promises to be a hard-fought contest.
Las Vegas Aces: In Pursuit of Another Crown
The Las Vegas Aces are no strangers to this stage. Their franchise-first WNBA Championship in 2022 established a winning pedigree that has carried them through a demanding 2025 season. The Aces have battled through their own share of adversity, with injury reports throughout the year featuring key players. The team has been without center Megan Gustafson, who was sidelined indefinitely with a leg injury back in May, and forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who has been on maternity leave.
Despite these challenges, the Aces have proven their depth and resilience, earning their spot in the Finals. Their experience in high-pressure situations is their greatest asset. Having been tested in tough semi-final matchups, they know what it takes to win on the biggest stage. They will look to steal home-court advantage in Game 1 and remind everyone why they are a modern dynasty.
Phoenix Mercury: Battling for a Title on Home Court
The Phoenix Mercury have scratched and clawed their way to the Finals, overcoming a season plagued by significant injuries. The biggest question mark hanging over the team has been the health of star Kahleah Copper, who was reported to be out with a left knee injury in June. Her availability for this series could be the single most important factor in its outcome.
Phoenix has shown incredible fight, with players like Natasha Mack and Alyssa Thomas playing through ailments during the season. Their journey through the first round and semi-finals has forged a battle-hardened squad ready for this moment. A late-season matchup on August 15 saw the Mercury lose a heartbreaker to these same Aces in a game that went down to the wire, proving Phoenix can go toe-to-toe with the defending champs. Now, with home-court advantage, they will be looking for revenge.
Prediction
This matchup features two teams with contrasting strengths. The Aces bring championship experience and a high-powered offense, while the Mercury have the home crowd and the fire of a team that has overcome adversity all season. The 3.5-point spread in favor of Phoenix reflects the significance of playing at home in the Finals.
However, the Aces’ championship DNA is difficult to bet against. They’ve been in this position before and have a roster built for the postseason. In a close game, their experience and poise under pressure could be the difference-maker. A previous meeting in August was decided by a late turnover, and this game is expected to be just as tight. While the Mercury could certainly win, the value lies with the proven champions as a road underdog. Expect a thrilling, back-and-forth affair that comes down to the final possessions, with the Aces doing just enough to cover and potentially pull off the outright upset.
Final Score Prediction: Aces 84, Mercury 81
Sources:
Las Vegas Aces Injury Status – ESPN
Connecticut Sun vs. Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report, Starting 5 …
Grant Afseth on X: “Las Vegas Aces Injury Report vs. Dallas Wings …
Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Aces Injury Report for Semifinals …
Las Vegas Aces Injury Report: What is the latest health update of A …
Los Angeles Sparks vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report, Starting 5 …
Late turnover causes Mercury loss to Las Vegas Aces
From the Las Vegas Aces: “Injury Update: Aces center Megan …
Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces: Injury Report, Starting-5 …
Keith – From the Las Vegas Aces: “Injury Update: Aces center Megan …