Call it the midline matchup between two squads, one of them (Mystics) short of just 1 win to .500. The stakes are high, because whoever loses, fails at securing their 3-game winning streak. The last time these two clashed, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, Vegas emerged as the winner. It was a close one, though, with a 3-point difference that came in the final quarter. Before that, Washington was leading by 9 points. Tonight, it’s all about who can close stronger.

Are you ready to see whether the Aces can re-create that win, or if the Mystics can show up in the clutch moments? It’s going to be a big night, especially for Sonia Citron. All eyes will be on her as she continues to charge forward in the Rookie of the Year race. She’s not alone either. Her teammate KiKi Iriafen has also proven herself to be a breakout prospect this season. And while 2025’s #1 overall pick Paige Bueckers still holds the spotlight, her recent stumble due to concussion protocol and Dallas’ ongoing struggles have opened the door for others to rise.

Where to Watch this High-Stakes Game?

The Las Vegas Aces are scheduled to battle against the Washington Mystics in this high-voltage encounter on June 26, 2025, at 10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT. It will take place at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, Vegas 34, NBA TV,  with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). Whereas viewers who are willing to opt. for streaming services, this game can be watched using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, YouTube TV.

The Injury Report:

Washington Mystics

• Brittney Sykes is DAY-TO-DAY,
• Georgia Amoore remains OUT with a torn ACL.
• Emily Engstler is also OUT.

Brittney Sykes (lower leg) is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Aces, as reported by Jenn Hatfield of The Next. Whereas Georgia Amoore underwent successful surgery to repair her right ACL, the Mystics announced on Friday.

Las Vegas Aces

• Megan Gustafson is OUT due to a leg injury.
• Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is also OUT due to personal reasons.

Predicted Starting Lineup:

Washington Mystics

• Shakira Austin
• Kiki Iriafen
• Sug Suton
• Sonia Cutron
• Jade Melbourne

If the Mystics run with their usual starters, Shakira Austin should once again control the paint as a reliable double-double threat. Kiki Iriafen will keep doing a bit of everything, particularly dominating the glass. Sug Sutton will run the offense as the primary playmaker, while Sonia Citron remains the go-to scorer. Jade Melbourne will keep defenders honest with her outside shooting. Off the bench, Aaliyah Edwards will bring toughness and rim protection, and Stefanie Dolson should be seen providing steady veteran minutes in limited stretches.

Las Vegas Aces

• Kiah Strokes
• A’ja Wilson
• Chelsea Gray
• Jewell Loyd
• Jackie Young

If the Aces keep their lineup unchanged, A’ja Wilson will remain the focal point on offense and defense. You can count on her for at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. Chelsea Gray will direct the offense and knock down shots with her usual confidence, while Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd provide scoring bursts from the perimeter. Kiah Stokes will handle the dirty work defensively. Off the bench, Kierstan Bell should add instant offense, and Dana Evans can be expected to bring speed and outside shooting.

How things might go down…

First things first, ESPN’s matchup predictor says that the odds (75.8%) are in favor of Vegas. And it makes sense because the Aces have owned the Mystics lately. They have won five straight matchups in the past.

These wins include the recent 75-72 comeback victory just weeks ago after trailing by nine. Washington has some momentum, no doubt, but Las Vegas has championship muscle memory. Even with their slow start this season, the Aces still have a loaded core. A’ja Wilson is dropping MVP-level numbers, Chelsea Gray is running the offense like a seasoned conductor, and Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd are finally finding their rhythm at the right time.

The stats say it’s close. Vegas only averages 1.8 more points per game than Washington, and their shooting percentage is barely below what the Mystics usually allow. The Mystics will keep it competitive, especially with Sonia Citron making a strong ROTY case and Kiki Iriafen growing fast, but Las Vegas has been here before and knows how to close. The final prediction is that the Aces win another tight one, pulling away late just like they always do against Washington.