The WNBA’s second weekend of 2025 closes with a heavyweight Western Conference clash as the Las Vegas Aces visit the Seattle Storm on Sunday evening. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. ET at Climate Pledge Arena, where a sell-out crowd will watch a pair of 2-1 clubs jostle for early positioning in the standings. Las Vegas arrives after stealing a 75-72 thriller from Washington on Friday, capped by Jewell Loyd’s dagger triple. Loyd will face her former team, who just rode a vintage 24-point, 14-assist performance from Skylar Diggins to turn back Phoenix 77-70. With proven star power on both rosters and sportsbooks installing the visitors as short favorites, Sunday’s Aces vs Storm contest promises to be significant in the WNBA hierarchy.
Aces vs Storm Preview
Three games into 2025, the Aces look familiar to the juggernaut that lifted the trophy in two of the last three seasons. A’ja Wilson continues to do everything, averaging 22.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 steals while shooting 43.1% from the floor. Jackie Young (19.0 points on 39.5% shooting) has picked up the perimeter scoring load left by Kelsey Plum’s departure.
The addition of Loyd, still settling into her new role at 11.3 points per game, already paid dividends in Friday’s comeback win. The Aces are producing 80.0 points and conceding 75.3, good for a +4.7 differential despite a shaky opening loss against the defending champion New York Liberty.
Seattle’s season is off to an encouraging start. Diggins has looked fully refreshed, averaging 22.0 points and a league-best 9.0 assists while pushing the pace. Former MVP Nneka Ogwumike is averaging 19.7 points and 11.0 boards, giving coach Noelle Quinn a dynamic inside-outside duo. Defensive anchor Ezi Magbegor (5.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks) is still finding her touch around the rim, but her rim protection and switchability give the Storm a chance to slow Wilson. The Storm have scored only 71.7 points per game yet hold opponents to 74.0. Friday’s win was their first contest cracking 75 points on offense this season.
Injuries are minimal on both sides, though they affect depth. Las Vegas remains without backup big Megan Gustafson (leg) and forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (pregnancy). Seattle will be without forward Katie Lou Samuelson for the year after her ACL tear. Both rotations have six proven options, but the Aces’ second unit is thin, relying on Dana Evans and young posts to buy Wilson brief rest.
Betting Insights
- Spread: Las Vegas -4.5
- Moneyline: Aces -190; Storm +154
- Total: 162.5
- Recent form: Aces are 1-2 against the spread after failing to cover against Washington on Friday; Storm are 2-0 against the number since their opening defeat in Phoenix.
- Tempo watch: Combined scoring average is just 151.7, over 10 points below Sunday’s total.
- Key matchup inside: Wilson’s strength and footwork against Magbegor’s length; Wilson has scored 20-plus in two of Las Vegas’ three outings.
- Key matchup on the perimeter: Diggins’ pick-and-roll artistry against Young’s on-ball defense; Diggins has generated 47 points via her assists through three games.
Before this huge Aces vs Storm game tips off, be sure to use the BetMGM bonus code listed above to bet the game. BetMGM is providing a first bet offer to new customers, providing peace of mind when wagering on this huge contest out West.
Aces vs Storm Prediction
Even after the offseason shuffling, Las Vegas still boasts the league’s most reliable late-game scorer in Wilson and perhaps its deepest trio once Loyd settles in. Seattle counters with a resurgent Diggins and the ever-efficient Ogwumike, but early-season numbers suggest the Storm have yet to find shooting rhythm and continue to struggle on the glass.
The betting market’s modest move from -3.5 to -4.5 reflects respect for Las Vegas despite the road setting. The Aces own advantages in shooting efficiency (46.9 effective field-goal percentage to Seattle’s 42.8) and turnover margin (+3.0 per game). But the Storm’s role players like Gabby Williams and Ezi Magbegor give them more avenues to create scoring than a Vegas team that relies far too heavily on its top-four for production. No matter who wins this game, we anticipate a close one, and for Seattle to cover as a home dog.
Pick: Seattle Storm +4.5
Projection: Aces 80, Storm 79
