After setting the WNBA single-season rebounding record, Angel Reese now faces MVP front-runner A'ja Wilson. Our free WNBA picks suggest that Reese, also known as the "Chi-Barbie," may struggle to dominate the glass against Wilson. Find out more below.
A’ja Wilson has been on fire lately, scoring 40 points twice in the Las Vegas Aces' last three games. Meanwhile, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese just shattered the WNBA single-season rebounding record, surpassing Sylvia Fowles' 2018 mark in two fewer games.
While my Sky vs. Aces predictions might hint at the theme of this article, my WNBA picks for Tuesday, September 3, might surprise you.
**Sky vs. Aces Predictions**
**Best Bet:** A’ja Wilson Over 12.5 rebounds (+106 at FanDuel)
**Analysis:**
A’ja Wilson is carrying the Las Vegas Aces, keeping their hopes for a three-peat alive. They’ve won three of their last four games, thanks in large part to Wilson’s incredible performances, averaging 32.25 points and 14.25 rebounds per game over the past week.
The Aces desperately need every win, as they’re only one game away from losing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Wilson has been more consistently dominant on the boards than scoring this week, and throughout the season. She’s surpassed this lofty rebounding prop in three of her last four games, averaging 12 rebounds since the Olympic break. In fact, Wilson has grabbed 13 or more rebounds in eight of her last 12 games, averaging 13.8 during that stretch.
You might hesitate to trust anyone on the glass against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. All due respect to Reese—who’s had a phenomenal rookie season—but Wilson is still poised to collect plenty of rebounds tonight.
These teams have met three times this season, with Wilson grabbing 14 and 18 boards in the most recent two matchups, including just a week ago when she started this strong run. Wilson should always be trusted to clean up missed shots, as she dictates the terms of the Aces’ rotation. Wilson has secured 19.9% of available rebounds in her 1,096 minutes this season. Among Aces players with over 300 minutes played, only Kiah Stokes (572 minutes) has a comparable rate, at 14.8%.
Facing the Sky plays to Wilson’s strengths. Chicago ranks 10th in offensive rating over the last two months and has made just 42.8% of their shots during that stretch, ranking 9th in the WNBA.
There will be plenty of missed shots in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, and no one—not even Angel Reese—is better at collecting them than A’ja Wilson.
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