Washington Mystics vs Las Vegas Aces WNBA Pick & Prediction 6/25/22
Updated October 27, 2026
Updated October 27, 2026
The Washington Mystics faced one of their toughest assignments of the 2022 WNBA season when they visited the Las Vegas Aces on June 25. Las Vegas had established itself as the league's leading contender, with A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young powering one of basketball's most dangerous offenses.
Washington entered on a two-game losing streak, but the Mystics had enough defensive quality and star power to compete. Elena Delle Donne was available, and the Aces had recently shown signs of vulnerability, including a stunning collapse against the Chicago Sky.
Our original Mystics vs Aces prediction backed Washington +8.5, with the expectation that the visitors would keep the game competitive.
That pick proved successful. Washington defeated Las Vegas 87–86 in overtime, turning an eight-and-a-half-point underdog selection into an outright upset.
Here, we revisit the original betting analysis, examine the key performances, and explain why Washington was able to beat the WNBA's top team.
For more historical previews and current selections, visit our WNBA betting picks.
Original Pick: Washington Mystics +8.5
<text color="success" weight="medium">Result: Win</text>
Betting details | Original selection |
|---|---|
Matchup | Washington Mystics at Las Vegas Aces |
Date | Saturday, June 25, 2022 |
Tipoff | 10:00 PM ET |
Venue | Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada |
Original spread pick | Washington +8.5 |
Final score | Washington 87, Las Vegas 86 (OT) |
Winning margin | Washington by 1 |
ATS result | Washington +8.5 won |
Pick record | 1–0 |
The original ATS.io preview recommended taking the points with Washington.
Las Vegas had been the stronger team over the first half of the season, but its recent performances raised questions about laying such a large spread against a capable opponent.
The Mystics ultimately did more than cover. They won outright, handing the Aces another difficult home defeat.
The original June 25, 2022 article featured a Caesars Sportsbook promotion offering new customers a risk-free first bet worth up to $1,500.
The archived offer used promo code ATSBONUS15.
Under the advertised terms, qualifying new customers could receive their first losing wager back in free bets, up to the stated maximum.
Historical promotion notice: This was a 2022 welcome offer and should not be treated as currently available. Caesars' promotions, eligibility requirements, and bonus terms have changed since publication.
For updated sportsbook information, see our Caesars Sportsbook review.
The original prediction was built around three arguments.
The Mystics entered the game after consecutive losses, including a defeat against the Seattle Storm.
However, the Seattle game had been closer than the final score indicated.
Washington was within one point late in the contest before Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird helped Seattle pull away.
That performance suggested the Mystics were capable of staying close against elite opponents.
The eight-and-a-half-point spread offered considerable protection, particularly if Washington could avoid a prolonged scoring drought.
The original betting case did not require the Mystics to win. A competitive defeat would have been enough.
The Aces were the WNBA's strongest team through the opening months of the season.
However, their recent winning margins had narrowed.
Only one of their previous eight games had produced a double-digit victory, according to the original preview.
That made an 8.5-point spread less attractive for Las Vegas backers.
The Aces still possessed the talent to dominate opponents, but their recent results suggested that Washington could remain within the number.
Delle Donne's availability was central to the prediction.
Washington had carefully managed her playing time during the season, making her status particularly important when evaluating the Mystics.
She was expected to play against Las Vegas after scoring 20 points in the previous game against Seattle.
Her shooting, rebounding, and interior presence gave Washington a player capable of challenging the Aces on both ends.
The original preview correctly identified her contribution as a major factor.
Delle Donne finished the game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.
Washington entered the matchup in fifth place in the WNBA standings.
The Mystics had lost two consecutive games but remained firmly in playoff contention.
Their main challenge was generating consistent offense against the league's stronger teams.
Delle Donne provided reliable scoring, while Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins were important contributors in the backcourt.
However, Washington's perimeter shooting had been inconsistent.
That was a concern against Las Vegas, whose offensive firepower could quickly create large deficits.
Delle Donne gave Washington an offensive option who could score inside, stretch the floor, and create difficult defensive assignments.
Her size and shooting touch made her particularly valuable against a Las Vegas frontcourt led by Wilson.
The Mystics needed her to stay productive without allowing the Aces to dominate the paint.
Her eventual performance exceeded that requirement.
Alongside her 19 points and 10 rebounds, Delle Donne blocked five shots, providing a defensive presence that helped Washington survive a close finish.
The original preview identified three-point shooting as an area where the Mystics needed improvement.
Cloud and Atkins had struggled with consistency, leaving Washington vulnerable when opponents limited Delle Donne's scoring opportunities.
Against Las Vegas, the Mystics needed contributions across their rotation.
They received them.
Washington finished with 11 made three-pointers, including four from Alysha Clark and three from Atkins.
Those baskets were essential in keeping pace with the Aces.
Las Vegas entered the contest as the WNBA's leading team.
The Aces had built their success around a fast, aggressive offense and several elite individual performers.
Wilson controlled the interior, Plum provided perimeter scoring, and Young gave Las Vegas another versatile offensive option.
Chelsea Gray directed the offense and created opportunities for teammates.
The Aces were capable of overwhelming opponents with their scoring.
But their previous game had exposed a major weakness.
Las Vegas entered the Washington matchup after blowing a 28-point lead against the Chicago Sky.
The Aces had dominated the first half before struggling badly after halftime.
Chicago completed a historic comeback, leaving Las Vegas searching for answers.
The defeat raised concerns about the Aces' ability to maintain defensive intensity and close games.
That was particularly relevant when evaluating them as heavy favorites.
The original preview argued that Las Vegas could win without covering a large spread.
Washington ultimately took advantage of those concerns and won the game outright.
The Aces were especially dangerous when Wilson controlled the paint.
However, the original analysis noted that Las Vegas could become vulnerable on the boards when Wilson was off the floor.
Washington had the personnel to challenge them.
Delle Donne's length and Myisha Hines-Allen's athleticism offered the Mystics ways to compete inside.
Rebounding proved important in the final result.
Washington collected 42 rebounds, compared with 38 for Las Vegas.
That advantage helped offset the Aces' superior ability to force turnovers.
Washington produced one of its most impressive victories of the season.
The Mystics defeated Las Vegas 87–86 after five additional minutes were required to separate the teams.
The game was competitive throughout.
Las Vegas led 22–20 after the first quarter, but Washington responded with a strong second period.
The Mystics outscored the Aces 26–18 in the second quarter and took a 46–40 lead into halftime.
Las Vegas fought back after the break.
The Aces won the third quarter 20–17, reducing Washington's lead to three points.
Both teams scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, sending the game to overtime tied at 80.
Washington then edged Las Vegas 7–6 in the extra period.
Quarter | Washington | Las Vegas |
|---|---|---|
First | 20 | 22 |
Second | 26 | 18 |
Third | 17 | 20 |
Fourth | 17 | 20 |
Overtime | 7 | 6 |
Final | 87 | 86 |
Washington led by six at halftime and resisted several Las Vegas comeback attempts.
The Mystics were especially effective in the second quarter, when they shot efficiently and generated opportunities through their ball movement.
Las Vegas eventually forced overtime, but Washington made enough defensive plays to finish the job.
Delle Donne delivered the performance Washington needed.
She finished with:
Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
Points | 19 |
Rebounds | 10 |
Assists | 3 |
Blocks | 5 |
Field goals | 7-for-17 |
Three-pointers | 2-for-6 |
Free throws | 3-for-3 |
Her five blocks were particularly important.
Las Vegas had several players capable of attacking the basket, and Delle Donne provided valuable rim protection.
She also collected 10 defensive rebounds.
Her performance supported one of the original article's central arguments: Washington was a significantly more dangerous opponent with Delle Donne available.
Delle Donne was central to the Mystics' success, but Alysha Clark led the team in scoring.
Clark finished with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
She made four of her six three-point attempts and added eight rebounds.
Her shooting efficiency helped Washington stay ahead during the first half.
Clark also contributed four steals.
The Mystics needed another reliable scoring option alongside Delle Donne, and Clark provided it.
Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
Alysha Clark | 20 | 8 | 1 |
Elena Delle Donne | 19 | 10 | 3 |
Natasha Cloud | 16 | 4 | 10 |
Ariel Atkins | 15 | 5 | 4 |
Shakira Austin | 6 | 5 | 1 |
Cloud's contribution was also significant.
She recorded 16 points and 10 assists, giving Washington another double-double.
Her passing helped the Mystics generate open looks against Las Vegas' defense.
Atkins added 15 points, including three made three-pointers.
Washington received balanced production, rather than depending entirely on Delle Donne.
Las Vegas received solid performances from several of its leading players.
Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum each scored 20 points.
Wilson added 17 points and 14 rebounds.
However, the Aces struggled with shooting efficiency and were unable to convert their scoring opportunities consistently.
Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
Jackie Young | 20 | 3 | 3 |
Kelsey Plum | 20 | 3 | 2 |
A'ja Wilson | 17 | 14 | 0 |
Chelsea Gray | 12 | 3 | 6 |
Dearica Hamby | 5 | 9 | 2 |
Wilson recorded a double-double but shot 6-of-16 from the field.
Gray struggled with her shooting, making five of 17 attempts.
Plum made five three-pointers, but the Aces couldn't consistently match Washington's offensive efficiency.
The result represented another frustrating defeat for Las Vegas after the collapse against Chicago.
The final box score reveals several important differences between the teams.
Statistic | Washington | Las Vegas |
|---|---|---|
Points | 87 | 86 |
Field goal percentage | 47.1% | 38.3% |
Three-point percentage | 36.7% | 41.7% |
Three-pointers made | 11 | 10 |
Free throw percentage | 75.0% | 87.5% |
Total rebounds | 42 | 38 |
Assists | 24 | 14 |
Steals | 10 | 17 |
Blocks | 8 | 4 |
Turnovers | 18 | 15 |
Washington's shooting efficiency was a major advantage.
The Mystics made 47.1% of their field goal attempts, compared with 38.3% for Las Vegas.
They also recorded 24 assists, 10 more than the Aces.
That reflected a more balanced offensive approach.
Las Vegas forced more turnovers and generated more steals, but Washington compensated with better shooting and stronger rebounding.
The Mystics also blocked twice as many shots.
Those defensive contributions were particularly important in a game decided by one point.
The original betting recommendation was based on Washington's ability to remain competitive against an elite opponent.
Several parts of that analysis proved accurate.
Delle Donne was available and contributed 19 points.
Clark added 20, while Cloud and Atkins combined for another 31.
Washington's balanced scoring made it difficult for Las Vegas to focus its defense on one player.
The Aces had recently blown a substantial lead against Chicago.
Against Washington, they again struggled to finish a home game.
Las Vegas forced overtime but couldn't secure the victory.
The original concern about laying a large spread with the Aces was justified.
Washington finished with a 42–38 rebounding advantage.
Delle Donne collected 10 rebounds, while Clark added eight.
That helped the Mystics maintain enough possession opportunities to compete with the Aces' offense.
The Mystics limited Las Vegas to 38.3% shooting.
Delle Donne blocked five shots, and Washington recorded eight blocks overall.
The Aces had the stronger season-long offensive reputation, but the Mystics produced the better defensive performance on the night.
The archived ATS.io selection was Washington +8.5.
The final score was Washington 87, Las Vegas 86.
A bettor taking Washington +8.5 would have won regardless of the overtime result, provided the Mystics stayed within eight points.
Washington exceeded that requirement by winning outright.
Betting calculation | Result |
|---|---|
Original spread | Washington +8.5 |
Actual margin | Washington by 1 |
Adjusted score | Washington 95.5, Las Vegas 86 |
ATS outcome | Washington covers by 9.5 points |
The original recommendation was successful.
The archived article did not document an official moneyline selection or Over/Under pick, so those markets are excluded from the pick record.
Original ATS.io pick record: 1–0.
The Mystics' victory provides several useful lessons when evaluating WNBA spreads.
Large favorites need to justify their number. Las Vegas had the better record, but its recent performances didn't support the assumption that it would win comfortably.
Player availability changes a matchup. Delle Donne's presence was essential to Washington's offensive and defensive performance.
Recent results deserve attention. Las Vegas had struggled to produce double-digit victories, while Washington had remained competitive against strong opponents.
Defensive efficiency can offset offensive talent. The Aces possessed several elite scorers, but Washington held them to 38.3% shooting.
Taking the points offers protection. Washington ultimately won outright, but the original +8.5 selection only required a competitive performance.
For upcoming games, compare team form, odds, and recent results through our WNBA matchup predictions.
Washington improved to 12–9 with the victory.
Las Vegas fell to 13–4.
The Mystics strengthened their position in the playoff race and demonstrated that they could beat one of the league's leading contenders on the road.
The win was particularly encouraging after two consecutive defeats.
Washington responded with better shooting, balanced scoring, and strong defensive contributions.
For Las Vegas, the result was another setback following its historic collapse against Chicago.
The Aces remained among the WNBA's strongest teams, but consecutive home defeats highlighted areas that needed improvement.
Their offense remained dangerous, yet their inability to finish close games had become a concern.
Washington defeated Las Vegas 87–86 in overtime.
Jay Sanin recommended Washington Mystics +8.5.
Yes. Washington won outright by one point, comfortably covering +8.5.
Yes. Regulation ended tied at 80, and Washington won the overtime period 7–6.
The matchup took place at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Alysha Clark scored 20 points.
Delle Donne finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.
Cloud had 10 assists, along with 16 points.
Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum each scored 20 points.
Wilson recorded 14 rebounds and 17 points.
Washington led Las Vegas 46–40 at halftime.
Washington improved to 12–9, while Las Vegas fell to 13–4.
The archived article advertised a $1,500 risk-free first bet using promo code ATSBONUS15. That was a historical 2022 promotion, and its availability should not be assumed today.
The original Washington Mystics +8.5 pick was a winner, with the Mystics defeating the Las Vegas Aces 87–86 in overtime.
Washington's ability to compete against elite opponents was central to the pregame analysis.
Delle Donne's availability provided an important boost, while Clark, Cloud, and Atkins gave the Mystics enough scoring to challenge Las Vegas throughout the game.
The Aces struggled to maintain their offensive efficiency, shooting just 38.3% from the field.
Washington also held advantages in rebounding, assists, and blocked shots.
The result reinforced the original argument that Las Vegas was being asked to cover too large a spread against a capable opponent.
→ Our Take: Washington +8.5 was a strong selection based on the Aces' recent difficulty producing convincing victories and the Mystics' ability to compete with top teams. Delle Donne's all-around performance, Clark's efficient scoring, and Washington's defense helped deliver an outright upset. The original pick finished as a winner.
For current selections and analysis, see our best WNBA bets today.
Updated October 27, 2026
