Las Vegas is the two-time defending WNBA champions. Phoenix had the worst mark in the league at 9-31 last season. But this isn't the mismatch you might think.

Phoenix is revamped both with key player additions and upgraded coaching. The Mercury added three-time All-Star Kahleah Cooper and point guard Natasha Cloud to go with holdover guards Diana Taurasi, Sophie Cunningham and Sug Sutton. That's a much improved roster.,


But the Mercury's strongest off-season move was hiring Nate Tibbetts to be their head coach. Tibbetts is well-respected having been an NBA assistant coach for 12 years with the Magic, Trail Blazers and Cavaliers.

The Aces still could be celebrating their second straight championship. They were honored at the White House last week. The Aces only got to play one preseason game and it wasn't against a WNBA club. They played the Puerto Rico national team at South Carolina. That's not an ideal way to get ready for the season where every team will be sky-high to upset the Aces.