Lynx Triumph Over Aces in Key WNBA Matchup
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 98, Las Vegas Aces 87, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Las Vegas Aces vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx beat Las Vegas Aces 98-87 at Target Center on August 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Las Vegas Aces vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The favorite won.
In a significant WNBA matchup, the Minnesota Lynx secured a solid victory against the Las Vegas Aces with a final score of 98-87 at the Target Center. This win not only bolstered the Lynx's impressive home record of 26-7 but also marked their third victory in the series against the Aces this season, bringing their head-to-head record to 2-1 for 2026.
The Lynx entered this game with a recent form of 9-1 over their last ten games, although they faced a setback in their previous outing, losing to the Los Angeles Sparks 82-89. Despite this loss, Minnesota has been a formidable force at home, averaging 97.6 points scored while allowing 89.7 points in their last ten games. Their scoring average in the last five games stands at 96.0, with a record of 4-1.
On the other side, the Las Vegas Aces came into the game with a record of 7-3 in their last ten matchups, riding a two-game winning streak. They recently defeated the Indiana Fever 86-84 and showcased a strong scoring average of 95.7 points while allowing 86.7 points in their last ten games. The Aces' recent form reflects their competitive nature, with an average of 96.0 points scored in their last five games, also holding a record of 4-1 during that stretch.
When considering home and away performances, the Lynx have excelled at home with a record of 6-1 in their last seven games at the Target Center, while the Aces have a solid away record of 4-2 in their last six games. This fixture was particularly intriguing as both teams have shown they can score efficiently, making it a clash of offensive prowess.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, while the Aces missed Ta'Niya Latson due to a coach's decision and NaLyssa Smith due to a leg injury. The absence of these players undoubtedly impacted both teams' strategies and rotations throughout the game.
The betting lines prior to the game, provided by DraftKings, indicated that the Lynx were favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 182.5. The odds for the home moneyline were -185.0, while the away moneyline stood at 154.0. These figures highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Lynx expected to perform well at home.
As the game progressed, the Lynx demonstrated their ability to maintain control, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included a 22-foot three-point jumper from Jackie Young, assisted by Dana Evans, and a 12-foot pullup jump shot from Maya Caldwell, assisted by Olivia Miles. The Lynx's ability to execute crucial plays down the stretch ultimately secured their victory.
Overall, this matchup showcased the strengths of both teams, with the Lynx leveraging their home advantage and recent form to overcome the Aces. The victory not only solidified Minnesota's position in the league but also highlighted the competitive spirit of the WNBA as the season continues.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -4.5 | 182.5 o -110 / u -110 | Las Vegas Aces +154 · Minnesota Lynx -185 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Ta'Niya LatsonOutCoach's DecisionLas Vegas Aces
- NaLyssa SmithOutLegLas Vegas Aces
Leaders
- PointsOlivia Miles26Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles7Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard8Minnesota Lynx
- PointsJackie Young23Las Vegas Aces
- AssistsChelsea Gray6Las Vegas Aces
- ReboundsNaLyssa Smith11Las Vegas Aces
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 9-1Streak L197.6 scored · 89.7 allowed per game6-1 at home
- L82-89vs Los Angeles SparksAug 7
- W108-100vs Indiana FeverAug 2
- W104-72at Toronto TempoJul 31
- W100-93vs Toronto TempoJul 29
- W86-76at Seattle StormJul 22
- W105-102at Seattle StormJul 21
- W101-93vs Portland FireJul 19
- W96-87vs Los Angeles SparksJul 15
- W104-100vs Phoenix MercuryJul 14
- W90-85vs New York LibertyJul 11
Las Vegas Aces
Last 10: 7-3Streak W295.7 scored · 86.7 allowed per game4-2 away
- W86-84at Indiana FeverAug 6
- W109-87at Atlanta DreamAug 3
- L83-84at Chicago SkyAug 1
- W104-99vs New York LibertyJul 31
- W98-83vs Portland FireJul 29
- L99-100at Washington MysticsJul 22
- W109-83at Toronto TempoJul 21
- L75-109vs Indiana FeverJul 13
- W106-58vs Phoenix MercuryJul 11
- W88-80at Portland FireJul 10
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Las Vegas Aces | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-69 | 37-76 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 10-27 | 15-29 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 52 |
| Free throws | 17-18 | 9-10 |
| Free throw % | 94 | 90 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 25 |
| Assists | 17 | 24 |
| Steals | 3 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 38 |
| Fouls | 11 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 9 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter55-58Jackie Young makes 24-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter55-60Olivia Miles makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter55-63Courtney Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dorka Juhasz assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-66Dorka Juhasz makes 24-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-66Jackie Young makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter58-66Jackie Young makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter60-66A'ja Wilson makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter62-66Brianna Turner makes 3-foot layup (Dana Evans assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-69Napheesa Collier makes 22-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-72Napheesa Collier makes 24-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-73Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-73Dana Evans makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jewell Loyd assists)
- 4th Quarter67-73NaLyssa Smith makes 3-foot layup (Jackie Young assists)
- 4th Quarter67-75Napheesa Collier makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter70-75Dana Evans makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter70-77Olivia Miles makes running layup
- 4th Quarter70-78Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter72-78Jewell Loyd makes layup (Chelsea Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter72-79Kayla McBride makes free throw flagrant 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter72-80Kayla McBride makes free throw flagrant 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter72-81Kayla McBride makes free throw flagrant 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter72-82Napheesa Collier makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter72-83Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter72-85Natasha Howard makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter74-85Chelsea Gray makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter74-88Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter75-88NaLyssa Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-88NaLyssa Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-88Jackie Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-88Jackie Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-90Olivia Miles makes 2-foot layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter80-90A'ja Wilson makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter83-90Jackie Young makes 22-foot three point jumper (Dana Evans assists)
- 4th Quarter83-92Maya Caldwell makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter85-92Dana Evans makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter85-94Napheesa Collier makes layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter86-94A'ja Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-94A'ja Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-96Olivia Miles makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter87-98Natasha Howard makes two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Las Vegas Aces.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance14101
- OfficialsFatou Cissoko-Stephens, Clare Simmons, Ken Jones
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Edge Aces in Thrilling WNBA ShowdownAug 15, 2026
- Aces Edge Lynx in Thrilling FinishJun 13, 2026
- Aces Defeat Lynx 97-87 in WNBA ShowdownSep 4, 2025