Major WNBA injury shakes up playoff race

LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 18: A'ja Wilson #22 and NaLyssa Smith #3 of the Las Vegas Aces plays defense during the game against the Atlanta Dream on August 18, 2026 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

NaLyssa Smith is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a non-contact leg injury late last week, the Las Vegas Aces announced on Thursday.

Smith, who was acquired by the Aces ahead of last year’s midseason trade deadline, averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over 37 games this season, and led the league in field goal percentage at 63.8%.

The Aces currently have a 26-13 record, which is the third-best mark in the WNBA. They have won three of the past four WNBA titles, and this year, they are eyeing their fourth championship, led by a core of A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. All three players will represent the US at the FIBA World Cup, which begins next week. After WNBA play resumed, the Aces will have four games left before the WNBA playoffs.

Brianna Turner becomes extremely important in Smith’s absence

Brianna Turner has appeared in 36 games this season, averaging 12.8 minutes per game. While her contributions on the offensive end are limited, Turner provides versatility and rim protection on the defensive end, and could form a formidable defensive backcourt with A’ja Wilson.

The 30-year-old is used to having a more significant role than she has had this season; across her 8-year career in the WNBA, she has started 138 games and averaged at least 26 minutes per night in four different seasons.

With Smith sidelined, it’s likely that Turner will see a far more significant on-court opportunity.

Additionally, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Kierstan Bell could see their minutes increase. Parker-Tyus is averaging 5.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game, while Bell is averaging 2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game.

Stephanie Talbot, who has started alongside Smith and Wilson but averaged just 16.7 minutes per game, could also be more heavily relied upon by Becky Hammon.

Where the Aces rank among WNBA title contenders

With or without NaLyssa Smith, the Las Vegas Aces are on a short list of teams who have a legitimate chance of winning the WNBA championship. But they lose some of their offensive versatility with Smith — the fourth-leading scorer on the roster — sidelined. Smith was pivotal in last year’s title run, putting up back-to-back 16- and 18-point performances against the Indiana Fever in the WNBA Semi-Finals.

The Minnesota Lynx — currently fully healthy — also become that much more formidable. The Lynx, who are 31-8, have the league’s best record and best point differential (+8.3) despite Napheesa Collier missing most of the season thus far. Minnesota has a loaded starting lineup that includes rookie and MVP candidate Olivia Miles, three-time All-Stars Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard, and five-time All-Stars Kayla McBride and Collier.

The Golden State Valkyries have also been better than the Aces this season; they have the second-best record (28-11) and point-differential (+6.9) in the WNBA.

Still, in crunch time, it will be hard to pick against the Aces and their trio of three-time champions. Chelsea Gray has already hit a litany of clutch shots this season, while Young (18.8 points, 6.6 assists) and Wilson (26 points, 9.5 rebounds) have both enjoyed career seasons.