The Aces vs Storm matchup brings the WNBA back into action after a nearly three-week break for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The Las Vegas Aces travel to Seattle to face the Storm on Thursday, September 17, with the game scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on USA Network.
The contest arrives during the final week of the 2026 WNBA regular season, with Las Vegas pushing for a higher playoff seed while Seattle has already been eliminated from postseason contention.
Aces vs Storm: Where the Teams Stand
The Las Vegas Aces entered the matchup in third place in the Western Conference. With four regular-season games remaining, Las Vegas was four games behind the Minnesota Lynx for first place but only two games behind the Golden State Valkyries for second.
The Aces had won five of their previous seven games before the WNBA break. They also already defeated Seattle once this season, earning a 101-91 victory on June 8.
A’ja Wilson was outstanding in that meeting, finishing with 34 points on 10-of-19 shooting while adding 12 rebounds.
Seattle, meanwhile, entered the Aces vs Storm matchup at 8-32 and had been eliminated from playoff contention. The Storm had lost 15 of their previous 17 games before the break, although they did beat the Toronto Tempo 90-78 on August 26.
Las Vegas Aces Have the Offensive Edge
Several statistical trends point to a significant difference between the teams entering this WNBA matchup.
Las Vegas averaged 90.6 points per game, ranking fourth in the league. Seattle averaged only 82.9 points, placing 12th.
The Aces also owned the third-best offensive rating in the league at 114.5, while Seattle ranked 13th at 103.6.
The Storm’s shooting efficiency was another concern. Seattle entered the game shooting 42.6% from the field, the third-lowest mark in the WNBA. The Storm also averaged 14.1 turnovers per game, among the league’s highest totals.
Las Vegas, on the other hand, was particularly effective at starting games quickly. The Aces averaged 24.2 points in the first quarter, second-best in the league.
Aces vs Storm Injury Report
The injury situation also provided an important storyline ahead of Thursday’s game.
The Las Vegas Aces reported no injuries.
Seattle had several players listed on its injury report. Jordan Horston was questionable with a shoulder issue, while Jade Melbourne was questionable because of an illness. Ezi Magbegor and Katie Lou Samuelson were listed as out with knee injuries.
Those absences could affect Seattle’s rotation against a Las Vegas team featuring one of the WNBA’s most productive offensive attacks.
A’ja Wilson Key to the Aces
A’ja Wilson remained one of the central players to watch in the Aces vs Storm matchup.
Wilson had averaged 10.1 rebounds per game in her previous seven meetings against Seattle. The Storm also allowed 36.4 rebounds per game, the second-highest figure in the WNBA.
Wilson’s rebounding numbers were supported by strong rates on both ends of the floor. She ranked in the 96th percentile in defensive rebound percentage and the 71st percentile in offensive rebound percentage.
Her presence inside could be especially important against a Seattle frontcourt dealing with injuries.
Jackie Young Brings Scoring Momentum
Jackie Young also entered the game with strong recent scoring form.
Young had scored at least 21 points in nine of her previous 10 games. She was also shooting 38.2% from three-point range over her previous four contests, making 13 of 34 attempts.
Her ability to create offense without relying heavily on assisted baskets was another notable part of her statistical profile.
If Young maintained that scoring production, Las Vegas had another reliable offensive option alongside Wilson.
Dominique Malonga Provides Seattle a Key Option
For the Storm, Dominique Malonga was one of the players capable of making an impact against the Aces.
Malonga had recorded at least 29 combined points and rebounds in five of her previous eight games. She had also scored at least 17 points in three of her last four contests.
Her 29.6% usage rate ranked in the 98th percentile, highlighting how prominently she featured in Seattle’s offense.
Malonga’s rebounding could also be important as the Storm attempted to limit second-chance opportunities for Wilson and the Aces.
Aces vs Storm Previous Meeting
The first Aces vs Storm meeting of the 2026 season ended with Las Vegas winning 101-91 on June 8.
Wilson led the Aces with 34 points and 12 rebounds, demonstrating the type of interior production Seattle will need to contain in the rematch.
Las Vegas also entered Thursday having covered the spread in four of its previous five meetings with Seattle.
Aces vs Storm: What to Watch
The matchup featured several key areas that could determine the result:
- Las Vegas scoring: The Aces averaged 90.6 points per game.
- Seattle shooting: The Storm entered shooting 42.6% from the field.
- Turnovers: Seattle averaged 14.1 turnovers per game.
- Rebounding: Seattle allowed 36.4 rebounds per game.
- A’ja Wilson: Her scoring and rebounding could shape the game inside.
- Jackie Young: Young’s recent scoring consistency gave Las Vegas another major offensive weapon.
- Dominique Malonga: Seattle needed a strong performance from its high-usage center.
Aces vs Storm Outlook
The Aces vs Storm game marked an important return to the court for both teams following the FIBA break. Las Vegas entered the final stretch of the regular season with playoff seeding still at stake, while Seattle was playing out the remainder of its schedule after being eliminated from postseason contention.
The Aces’ scoring efficiency, recent form and previous success against Seattle made this a closely watched WNBA matchup. With Wilson and Young leading the way offensively and Malonga providing a focal point for Seattle, the game featured several individual battles worth monitoring.
For the Las Vegas Aces, the matchup also represented another opportunity to build momentum heading into the WNBA playoffs.
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