Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty Preview: A'ja Wilson Ruled Out for Commissioner's Cup Championship and What It Means for the Aces

Competing in the Commissioner's Cup Championship tonight at 7:00 pm EST, the Las Vegas Aces will be without 4x MVP A'ja Wilson due to an apparent ankle injury.

A Major Blow for the Las Vegas Aces

Missing her first game in the 2026 WNBA Season, A'ja Wilson is out and unable to compete with the Las Vegas Aces in the final game of the Commissioner's Cup. This ankle injury that Wilson is experiencing comes at an unfortunate time as she has been putting together yet another MVP-caliber season. Leading not only the Aces, but the entire league in scoring (25.7 ppg), Wilson has been truly unstoppable. Taking into account that she is also averaging nearly 10 rebounds per game; Wilson is on pace to have arguably the best season of her career if she can bounce back from this ankle injury. Although there is no definite time of her return, many sources state that she could be back as early as July 3, 2026, in the Las Vegas Aces' matchup with the Chicago Sky.

X-Factors for the Aces in the Matchup

Chennedy Carter

One of the lead candidates for Sixth Player of the Year, Chennedy Carter's fresh start with the Aces cannot be overlooked. Carter coming off the bench and averaging 14.1 points on 48.5% shooting has been huge for Las Vegas. Going from a star for the Chicago Sky in 2024, to a perfect fit sparkplug for the Las Vegas Aces, Carter has made a seamless transition. Considering that A'ja Wilson has been ruled out, the Aces' main source of scoring is gone. Chennedy Carter will be a huge factor into the Aces' chances at contending with the Liberty because they need the bench leader that Carter is to fill Wilson's void. If Carter can successfully attack the basket and mindset of New York to get in their heads, the trajectory of the game could flip. Will Carter make a big enough impact as the x-factor in this matchup to level the odds?

Jackie Young

Considered the "Silent Assassin" of the WNBA, Jackie Young will likely play the biggest role for the Aces in the Commissioner's Cup Championship. The second leading scorer for Las Vegas, Young will be the one to turn to in the Aces' first game of the season without A'ja Wilson. In addition to her ability to score the basketball, Young's poise and composure will be crucial to not only her success, but the team's as a whole. If Young is able to find her shots while also helping lead others to create their own shots with her lethal passes, the Aces will be in good shape. Taking into consideration that New York will be at their strongest, Young's timeliness when Las Vegas is in need of a bucket will also play a huge role in what they're able to do. Could Jackie Young's well roundedness accompanied by her collected confidence be just what the Aces need to pull through?

Key Liberty Players to Watch

Sabrina Ionescu

Experiencing injuries that have sidelined her for several games already this season, Sabrina Ionescu has had a slow start to say the least. In recent seasons, Ionescu has averaged around 18 point per game, though this year, she is averaging just above 9. Having played in just 8 regular season games, Ionescu is yet to experience a breakout game to start up the season. That said, there's always a chance it could be today. If Ionescu can get hot from beyond the arc and get things going for New York, the matchup is practically wraps. Not only would that be huge for New York to have a strong finish in the Commissioner's Cup, but also a bright future for the team this season if Ionescu can find her rhythm and stay with it. In this specific matchup, it will be interesting to see if Ionescu can counteract Las Vegas' Jackie Young and her ability to facilitate the ball while also creating her own shots. Is today the day that Sabrina Ionescu finds her breakthrough this season?

Breanna Stewart

It would be remiss not to mention the 3x WNBA Champion and 1x Commissioner's Cup Champion, Breanna Stewart as a player to be on the lookout for. Leading the Liberty with 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, Stewart has been making it work for New York without her partner in crime, Sabrina Ionescu almost half of the season. Already having multiple 30-point games this season, Stewart's time is now. In any case that a team is facing off against the Liberty, Breanna Stewart is almost always at the top of the scouting report for her controlled rebounding and polished scoring. Without A'ja Wilson in this matchup, it's hard to think that Stewart wouldn't dominate. If Stewart gets hot from three or slashes deep into the defense for consistent lays, it will be nearly impossible for the Aces to adapt to such a versatile 6'4" forward. Will Stewie get hot and help lead the Liberty to victory, or will the Aces hold her back and adapt?

The Final Scene

The final game in the 2026 Commissioner's Cup comes down to the Las Vegas Aces hosted by the New York Liberty. Will Coach Becky Hammon's Aces be able to hold up against New York's big three in Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones? Tune in to this matchup on Prime Video at 7:00 pm EST to see who will capture their second Commissioner's Cup Championship tonight.

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