Las Vegas (KSNV) — With the Las Vegas Aces entering the final eight games of the 2026 regular season, Sports Director Bryan Salmond goes one-on-one with Callie Fin of USA TODAY for an in-depth look at the Aces, the WNBA playoff picture and what is at stake during the final stretch.
One of the biggest topics of conversation is Tuesday night’s showdown with the Atlanta Dream. With Las Vegas sitting at 24-12 and Atlanta at 21-13 entering the matchup, the game carries major implications for the crowded playoff race and the Aces’ position in the standings.
Fin explains just how critical this game is for Las Vegas and what could happen to the Aces depending on how they finish the final eight games. With teams battling for positioning behind the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, every win and loss becomes increasingly important as the postseason approaches.
The Aces have already shown they can handle Atlanta, defeating the Dream 109-87 earlier this month behind a spectacular triple-double from Jackie Young. But Tuesday’s matchup has an entirely different meaning with the playoff race tightening and home-court positioning on the line.
Salmond and Fin also turn their attention to one of the newest additions to the Aces — Mai Yamamoto. The young guard has quickly become a fan favorite while bringing energy, confidence and another spark to the Las Vegas backcourt. Yamamoto’s ability to knock down shots, create opportunities and provide a burst off the bench has added another intriguing element to an already talented Aces roster.
The conversation explores Yamamoto’s growing popularity with Aces fans and what her emergence could mean for Las Vegas when the games become even more intense in the postseason.
With A’ja Wilson leading the way and veterans such as Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continuing to provide championship experience, the Aces are entering the most important portion of their regular season.
Bryan Salmond and USA TODAY’s Callie Fin break down Tuesday’s crucial matchup with Atlanta, the Aces’ chances of moving up or down the WNBA standings, and the growing impact of Mai Yamamoto as Las Vegas prepares for the final eight games and the road toward another championship run.
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