Today we discuss a titanic match between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, a key series between the Brewers and Cubs, and Leylah Fernandez at the U.S. Open.
Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty
Las Vegas Aces @ New York Liberty (Monday, Aug 28 2023 7:10pm)
If it feels as though the Las Vegas Aces (30-5) and New York Liberty (27-7) have been going at it a lot lately, that’s because they have. Including the Commissioner’s Cup, this will be the fourth meeting between the sides in August, which is considerable given how they are the top two squads in the WNBA. Furthermore, the race for first place isn’t quite over. Las Vegas has stumbled a tiny bit this month, leaving the door ajar for New York to maybe leapfrog them. They do battle in Brooklyn on Monday night.
Both teams are very healthy and can head into battle with virtually all hands on deck. The Liberty accounts for 40 per cent of the Aces’ five losses this year – again, including the Commissioner’s Cup final. All eyes will be on team leaders Breanna Stewart (NY, 23.1 points per game and 9.2 rebounds) and A’ja Wilson (LV, 21.9 points per game and 9.5 rebounds). At this stage, given the tight race for the first overall playoff seed and their two previous defeats at the hands of the Liberty, the Aces should be threatened and make a stand.
Best Bet: Las Vegas Aces and the spread
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee @ Chicago (N) (Monday, Aug 28 2023 8:05pm)
On Monday night a critical series begins when the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers (73-57) head to the famed Wrigley Field to play the second-place Chicago Cubs (69-61). Both clubs have come a long way from the spring when each looked to meander their way through 2023. Milwaukee has ended up having a fine season and Chicago is making a very serious playoff push. The Brewers are riding an eight-game winning streak and have swept to division leaders in the process (Rangers and Twins). The Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10.
Milwaukee hopes to brew up a win by sending Wade Miley (6-3, 3.18 ERA) into battle for pitching duties. Chicago hands the ball over to Jameson Taillon (7-8, 5.60 ERA). Wiley’s had a good season but has conceded three earned runs in each of his last two starts. The Brewers have been able to count on Christian Yelich and William Contreras at bat this season. Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner have been on a tear for the Cubs. This series will either make the race for the division crown that much tighter – currently the Brewers lead by four games – or Milwaukee will take full command.
Best Bet: Cubs on the moneyline
U.S. Open: Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Leylah Annie Fernandez
US Open Women Singles - Ekaterina Alexandrova v Leylah Annie Fernandez
The final Grand Slam event of the year in tennis begins this week when the U.S. Open erupts from Flushing Meadows, New York. Canada enters the tournament with some, if not tremendous optimism. Unless a wild turn of events like 2019 occurs, then none of the Canadian participants are seriously expected to win it all. Speaking of Canadians and 2019, Biana Andreescu will miss the tournament because of an injury. Staying on the women’s side of things, Montrealer Leylah Annie Fernandez commences her U.S. Open odyssey on Tuesday against Russian Ekaternia Alexandrova.
Fernandez is currently ranked 67th in the WTA, whereas Alexandrova is a solid 20th. This first match is a tough one for Fernandez, who has hit some hard times recently. Her best recent finishes were Round of 16 eliminations at the Mubadala Citi DC Open as well as the National Bank Open in Montreal, and a quarter-finals at Tennis in the Land. In all three instances, she fell to players ranked higher than her. Alexandrova just lost the Tennis in the Land final.
Best Bet: Ekaterina Alexandrova to win
