The lights of Las Vegas shine brightest when A’ja Wilson is on the floor—but lately, the glow has dimmed. Three games. Three nerve-wracking nights without their MVP and just when the Aces thought things couldn’t get stormier, here comes Seattle, riding a wave of momentum. Wilson’s absence isn’t just a footnote—it’s the headline.
Now the question looms: Can the Aces weather the Storm if their biggest star is still sidelined?
Injury Report: Is A’ja Wilson Playing Tonight?
Las Vegas Aces fans holding their breath won’t exhale just yet.
As of Thursday night, A’ja Wilson (concussion) remains questionable for Friday’s game against the Seattle Storm. Wilson has been in the WNBA’s concussion protocol since June 11, after taking a fist to the face from former teammate Dearica Hamby in the third quarter of the Aces’ 97–89 loss to the Sparks.
“She was here. We’re still in evaluation mode with her,” Aces head coach Becky Hammon told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I think there’s a process she has to go through.”
Wilson was spotted leaving the facility after a closed practice on Thursday but hasn’t been cleared to play. She’s now missed three straight games—two losses and one narrow win over Dallas.
Other Aces injuries:
Megan Gustafson (C) – Out (expected return: July 3)
Suffered a lower left leg injury during practice on April 28.
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (F) – Out (expected return: August 15)
Parker-Tyus is trading rebounds for maternity duties—she’s out on maternity leave with her second child due June 27. Expected to miss most of the 2025 season, the veteran forward has her sights set on a playoff return by September 14, per Women’s Health and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Seattle Storm injury report:
Gabby Williams (F) – Day-to-day (ankle)
After setting the franchise record for most steals in a game (eight), Williams unfortunately exited with an ankle sprain about eight minutes before the final buzzer in Seattle’s 98–67 win over the Sparks.
Katie Lou Samuelson (F) – Out (since May 1)
Samuelson is out for the 2025 WNBA season due to a torn ACL in her right knee, suffered during a Seattle Storm practice on May 1.
Starting Lineups
Las Vegas Aces Projected Starters:
Kiah Stokes (#41)
Chelsea Gray (#12)
Tiffany Mitchell (#3)
Jewell Loyd (#24)
Jackie Young (#0)
Seattle Storm Projected Starters:
Nneka Ogwumike (#3)
Gabby Williams (#5) (if cleared to play)
Ezi Magbegor (#13)
Skylar Diggins (#4)
Erica Wheeler (#17)
Predictions & What’s at Stake for a Wilson-less Vegas
On paper, ESPN Analytics favors the Aces with a 56.5% win probability over the Storm’s 43.5%, especially with the game being played at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. But numbers can be deceptive, especially when A’ja Wilson isn’t suiting up.
May 28, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (22) competes during the first quarter against the Minnesota Lynx at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
The Aces are 5–6, reeling from back-to-back losses and struggling to find rhythm without their anchor. They’re giving up 82.5 points per game while scoring just 79.1 on a cold 38.7% shooting clip—well below the efficiency that won them a title just a year ago. And while Wilson’s 20.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 4.0 APG usually set the pace, those stats are meaningless if she’s out.
Meanwhile, Seattle is heating up. The Storm have won four of their last five, including a 31-point demolition of the Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike just dropped 26, and Skylar Diggins is averaging 17.8 points and 6.2 assists on 45.1% shooting. They’re clicking, balanced, and confident.
If Wilson sits again, don’t be surprised if the Storm weather Vegas—and walk out with a statement win that commentator Dick Fain will be happy about.
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