A'ja Wilson suffered a scary-looking wrist injury during the Las Vegas Aces' loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday. When she was ruled out for the remainder of the game, it suddenly felt as if the Aces' 87-78 loss at Barclays Center was insignificant compared to Wilson's long-term prognosis.
It is no secret that the Aces have struggled in 2025. Las Vegas pulled off a stunning offseason trade for former scoring champion Jewell Loyd and dealt All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks. But in swapping Loyd for Plum -- in addition to losing assistants Tyler Marsh and Natalie Nakase to head coaching jobs -- the Aces' offense has dipped from second in offensive rating to ninth, contributing to Vegas' disappointing 9-10 record.
Though she remains one of the top basketball players on the planet, Wilson too has seen her numbers dip amid the Aces' reshuffle. The three-time MVP is averaging 20.7 points per game, her lowest average since 2022, while her 45.3 shooting percentage is her lowest since 2021. She had missed three games with a concussion last month before suffering the right wrist injury in Brooklyn on Tuesday night.
MORE: Aces' A'ja Wilson gets unexpected update amid MRI for wrist injury
Fortunately for the Aces, Wilson's wrist injury may only have been a scare. The two-time Olympic gold medal winner on Wednesday underwent an MRI, and she was seen taking some shots during a morning practice session on Thursday.
A’ja Wilson was getting shots up during the open period of shootaround. Not sure how much she did beforehand. She’s officially questionable. Wasn’t able to check with Becky Hammon, who wasn’t feeling well this morning.
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) July 10, 2025
Megan Gustafson (probable) participated and will be evaluated… pic.twitter.com/8lp6mvogMA
However, the Aces ruled Wilson out for Thursday night's game at EagleBank Arena, a decision in line with head coach Becky Hammon's previously-stated commitment to prioritize Wilson's long-term health. This will mark Wilson's fourth missed game this season; she missed just two in 2024.
The youthful Mystics have already defeated the Aces once this season, going to Michelob Ultra Arena and notching a 94-83 win on June 26. Led by rookie All-Stars Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, the 9-10 Mystics have won four of their past five home games entering Thursday; the Aces are 2-2 on their five-game road trip.
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