PREVIEW: The Atlanta Dream and Las Vegas Aces are set to clash in a pivotal mid-season matchup at Michelob ULTRA Arena, marking their first encounter of the year. Both teams are returning from the All-Star break, seeking a win to enhance their playoff seeding positions. The Dream currently sit fifth in the WNBA standings, while the Aces occupy the eighth and final playoff spot, creating high stakes for this inter-conference battle. Atlanta ranks seventh in the league, scoring 35.3 points per game in the paint and averaging 83.8 points overall, which is 1.7 points more than Las Vegas typically allows. Allisha Gray continues to be the Dream's top performer, averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, while the Aces rely heavily on A'ja Wilson, who averages 22.3 points and 9.3 rebounds, alongside Jackie Young's 16.8 points per game. Both teams are managing injury concerns, with Rhyne Howard out for Atlanta and Jackie Young's status uncertain for Las Vegas. In their last 10 games, the Aces have gone 6-4, averaging 82.1 points and shooting 44.4% from the field, while the Dream have a 5-5 record, scoring 83.1 points and shooting 43.0%. The Aces are 3-1 against Eastern Conference teams this season, and with betting odds suggesting a close contest, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.