Washington Mystics vs Las Vegas Aces Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 13, 2026
The Washington Mystics visit the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Washington is 19-13, third in the Eastern Conference and 1.5 games behind Indiana after Tuesday’s 86-76 loss at Las Vegas. The defeat ended a four-game winning streak, leaving the Mystics 4-1 over their last five. Las Vegas is 23-11, third in the Western Conference and four games behind Minnesota. The Aces snapped a two-game skid with Tuesday’s win and are 3-2 over their last five. The season series is tied 1-1. Las Vegas is -6.5 with the total at 170.5. Be a winner with our free WNBA picks.
Washington Mystics Look for Quick Response
Washington averages 82.0 points while shooting 44.0% from the field and 30.0% from three-point range. Sonia Citron leads the Mystics with 17.1 points and 3.8 assists while shooting 46.4%. Shakira Austin averages 16.3 points and a team-high 9.6 rebounds, while Kiki Iriafen contributes 15.0 points and 9.2 boards. Washington scored at least 79 points in four straight games before Las Vegas held the Mystics to 76 on Tuesday.
Washington’s defensive numbers provide a better picture, with the Mystics allowing only 82.6 points per game, second-lowest in the league. Opponents shoot just 42.4% against Washington and 32.6% from three. The Mystics also lead the WNBA with 37.5 rebounds per game, an important advantage against a Las Vegas team averaging 33.8. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has played only one game for Washington after 17 appearances with New York.
Injuries: None listed.
Las Vegas Aces Seek Another Home Win
Las Vegas averages 91.0 points and shoots 48.8% from the field, giving the Aces one of the league’s strongest scoring attacks. A’ja Wilson leads the way with 26.3 points and 9.8 rebounds while shooting 52.4%. Jackie Young adds 18.3 points and 6.7 assists, while Chelsea Gray averages 12.5 points and a team-high 7.1 assists. The Aces have scored at least 86 points in four of their last five games, although they were held to 71 at New York.
The Aces allow 87.6 points per game while opponents shoot 44.4%. Las Vegas also averages 22.2 assists, 6.9 steals and 5.0 blocks while committing only 12.1 turnovers. The Aces are 10-5 at home and already defeated Washington by 10 points in this building Tuesday. Ta’Niya Latson has played four games for Las Vegas after 10 with Los Angeles, so her 7.3-point season average includes both teams. Las Vegas will be without four players Thursday.
Injuries: Justine Pissott (Out), Kierstan Bell (Out), Dana Evans (Out), Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (Out).
Key Player Matchup
Shakira Austin vs A’ja Wilson
Austin enters averaging 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 47.3% from the field. Wilson has the larger scoring numbers at 26.3 points while adding 9.8 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.5 steals. Wilson’s 52.4% shooting presents another challenge after Las Vegas won Tuesday’s meeting 86-76. Austin’s work on the glass could help Washington, which holds a clear team rebounding advantage.
Washington Mystics vs Las Vegas Aces Game Pick
- Las Vegas Aces -6.5
Las Vegas -6.5 is the game pick after the Aces beat Washington by 10 points on Tuesday in the same arena. Wilson leads an offense averaging 91.0 points and shooting 48.8%, while Young and Gray provide additional scoring and playmaking. Washington owns strong defensive and rebounding numbers, but Las Vegas committed only 12.1 turnovers per game entering this matchup. The Aces are also 10-5 at home. With the spread unchanged from its opening number, Las Vegas has enough advantages to cover 6.5 points again.
Washington Mystics vs Las Vegas Aces Over/Under Pick
- Under 170.5
Under 170.5 is the total pick after Tuesday’s meeting produced only 162 points in an 86-76 Las Vegas victory. Washington allows 82.6 points per game and holds opponents to 42.4% shooting, while the Mystics themselves average only 82.0 points. Las Vegas can score at a much higher rate, but Washington has allowed 75 points or fewer in three of its last five contests. With the total unchanged from its 170.5 opener, another strong Mystics defensive showing will keep this rematch under the closing number.