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VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Aces Draw Fever, Brock Bowers Nears Raiders Return

By jili tutorial · September 26, 2026

VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Aces Draw Fever, Brock Bowers Nears Raiders Return

Overview: A Triple‑Header of Las Vegas Sports News

Las Vegas sports fans have plenty to follow this weekend as the WNBA playoffs tip off, the Raiders prepare for a crucial road game, and the Golden Knights wrap up their preseason. This report breaks down each story with deeper context, key betting lines, and player analysis—all while keeping the original facts intact.

WNBA Playoffs: Aces vs. Fever Set for First Round

Seeding Drama on the Final Night of the Regular Season

The WNBA playoff bracket was finalized after an electric closing night of the regular season. The defending champion Las Vegas Aces secured the No. 3 seed with a dominant 100‑82 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. A’ja Wilson led the charge with a staggering 34 points and 10 rebounds, cementing her status as the league’s reigning MVP and arguably its best all‑around player.

The No. 2 seed went to the Golden State Valkyries (a newly named franchise, formerly the Las Vegas Aces? No—the article refers to “Golden State’s 76-75 comeback win over the Los Angeles Sparks” giving them the No. 2 seed, pushing the Aces to No. 3 despite finishing with an impressive 31‑13 record). This shuffling illustrates the fierce parity of the WNBA this season.

Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics’ 101‑93 win over Chicago, coupled with the Indiana Fever’s 86‑66 loss to Minnesota, moved the Mystics to No. 5 and the Fever to No. 6. That sets up a first‑round, best‑of‑three series between the No. 3 Aces and the No. 6 Fever.

Series Details and Betting Favorites

Explanation of Betting Terms

Key Injuries and Impact

Both teams enter the series with significant absences:

The Aces still rely on their core trio—Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young—who have championship experience. Gray’s playmaking and Young’s two‑way contributions make them a formidable trio in the playoffs.

What to Watch: Wilson vs. the Fever Defense

The Fever will likely throw double‑teams at Wilson, forcing others to step up. Watch how Aces role players like Kelsey Plum (if healthy) and Megan Gustafson respond under postseason pressure.

NFL Week 3: Raiders Look to Brock Bowers’ Return Against the Saints

Bowers Nearing Activation After Knee Surgery

Star tight end Brock Bowers, a key weapon for the Las Vegas Raiders (2‑0), is nearing his return. Head coach Klint Kubiak said in a press briefing today (September 25) that Bowers is “a real possibility” to play Sunday (September 27, 4:25 p.m. EST) at the Caesars Superdome against the New Orleans Saints (1‑1).

Bowers underwent knee surgery on September 8 and has missed the first two games. Last week, the Raiders evaluated him with a pregame workout but held him out. This week, Kubiak indicated there will be no pregame workout—a more confident sign that Bowers is cleared.

“I’m optimistic,” Kubiak said.

Bowers’ potential return would give the Raiders a major boost in the passing game. As a rookie in 2024, he quickly became a reliable target and a mismatch for linebackers and safeties.

Raiders’ Other Injury and Personnel Notes

Jeanty’s Struggles and Kubiak’s Perspective

Running back Ashton Jeanty had a disappointing outing in last week’s 26‑14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, carrying 21 times for just 48 yards (a 2.3‑yard average). Kubiak addressed the performance philosophically:

“You can count on the same effort every day, and that’s the NFL. It’s highs and lows. It’s ups and downs. And how do you respond is the question.”

Jeanty is still the team’s primary ball‑carrier, but the Raiders will need better efficiency against a stout Saints defense.

Saints’ Offensive Threat: QB Tyler Shough

The Saints’ quarterback, Tyler Shough, has been a surprise through two games. He ranks second in the NFL with 662 passing yards, trailing only Green Bay’s Jordan Love (844 yards). Shough has thrown for four touchdowns, two interceptions, and owns a passer rating of 95.7. The Raiders must pressure him to disrupt his rhythm.

Betting Lines for Sunday

The Saints are home favorites, but the Raiders’ stout defense and potential Bowers return make this a compelling matchup.

NHL Preseason: Golden Knights Sharpen Up, Connelly Pushes for Roster Spot

Preseason Game 3: Veterans Lead 5‑4 Overtime Win

The Vegas Golden Knights shook off the rust in their third preseason contest last night, beating the Utah Mammoth 5‑4 in overtime. Goals came from veteran players:

The victory showed the team’s depth and ability to respond after regular‑season‑type adversity.

Preseason Finale and Roster Cuts

The Golden Knights wrap up the preseason tomorrow (September 26) against the San Jose Sharks. On Wednesday (September 23), the club trimmed its roster to 28 players, and one standout prospect survived the cuts: Trevor Connelly.

Trevor Connelly: Top Prospect Making a Strong Case

Connelly, the Golden Knights’ first‑round pick in 2024, is skating on a line with Tomas Hertl and Victor Olofsson. Last season in the AHL, he recorded 49 points (14 goals, 35 assists) in 46 games for the Henderson Silver Knights, then coached by Ryan Craig. Craig is now the head coach of the Golden Knights, replacing Bruce Cassidy.

That familiarity has been a huge advantage for Connelly during this year’s training camp compared to his first camp under Cassidy.

“Having him here has made me feel a lot more comfortable,” Connelly said. “I am just sticking to my game. I talked with Craiger in the summer, and he said, take camp day by day. Don’t look too far ahead. So I think just get my job done every day, and then don’t try to look forward.”

He added a mature perspective on his roster chances:

“If I end up back in Henderson, that’s all right. Obviously, my goal is to be up here, but I love hockey so much. And anytime you get to be on the ice with these guys, it’s a blast.”

Regular Season Opener

The Golden Knights open the regular season Tuesday, September 29, at home against the Chicago Blackhawks at T‑Mobile Arena. Connelly’s performance in the remaining preseason game will heavily influence whether he makes the opening‑night roster or heads back to the AHL for more seasoning.

Betting Insights Roundup

SportEventFavoriteSpreadMoneyline
WNBAAces vs. Fever (Game 1)Aces –3.5Aces –155 / Fever +130
NFLRaiders @ SaintsSaints –3Saints –192 / Raiders +160
NHLGolden Knights vs. Sharks (preseason)No official lines (exhibition)––

Lines as of September 25, courtesy of DraftKings.

Final Thoughts

This weekend is packed with high‑stakes action for Las Vegas fans. The Aces begin their title defense against a pesky Fever team, the Raiders could get a key weapon back as they face a hot Saints squad, and the Golden Knights finalize their roster before the NHL season begins. All three stories underscore the depth of competition in Las Vegas professional sports.