“It is what it is… Obviously, she changes the whole dynamic on both ends of the floor for us. You’re never gonna replace your diamond, for sure not (with) one person or two.” That’s what Becky Hammon shared after A’ja Wilson’s right wrist injury in the Aces’ 87-78 loss to the New York Liberty. And she’s not stretching. When you’ve got a three-time MVP averaging 22.3 points per game, “you’re never gonna replace her,” unless she’s forced to sit out due to injury. Seems like the coach doesn’t want to be met with the scenario once again.

It’s because the Aces are set to face the Atlanta Dream in their first game after the All-Star break, and according to the latest updates from practice sessions, neither A’ja Wilson nor Jackie Young—often seen as Wilson’s stand-in—were spotted practicing with the team.

Why? It’s because Coach Hammon told them to rest following their All-Star Weekend appearances. Wilson, who was part of Team Caitlin Clark, played 12 minutes and contributed four points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Jackie Young was limited to just one minute of play.

However, Jackie’s now listed as questionable due to a hip injury. Well, her last full game was against the Dallas Wings, where she logged 25 minutes with six assists, two points, and two rebounds, but while she is recovering from an injury, A’ja isn’t—at least not officially.

So, is it just rest keeping her out of practice, one that could prove crucial for the Aces, who are currently 11-11 and eyeing a No. 4 seed in the Western Conference playoff race? Yes, and it makes sense, because Wilson’s already endured two injuries this season. First came a head injury that forced her to exit the game against the Sparks. It would place her on concussion protocol, keeping her out for 3 games before she returned to play the Storm for 20 points and 14 rebounds. But when everything seemed back on track, it was only until July 8th.

During a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty, Wilson landed awkwardly and injured her right wrist. She exited the game immediately and underwent an MRI, which revealed a sprain but no fractures.

Still, the team took no chances as she was ruled out for the remainder of that game and the next one against the Mystics. Hammon made it clear: “Nothing’s broken… let it heal correctly the first time.” Then? Wilson eventually returned with a strong stance—dropping 34 points against the Golden State Valkyries and 37 against the Wings.

So yes, she needs rest—and Hammon, as a smart head coach, is making sure she gets it.

A’ja Wilson & Co. have a challenge in store

The Aces are coming off a three-game winning streak, thanks in large part to Wilson’s 37-point explosion and Jewell Loyd’s 14-point contribution in their last win over the Wings. Now, they’re gearing up to face the Atlanta Dream for the first time this season. Well, Atlanta Dream is coming off back-to-back losses—falling to the Indiana Fever (99-82) and the New York Liberty (79-72), but don’t let that fool you into thinking this will be an easy win.

It’s because Atlanta bounced back hard before the All-Star break, crushing the Chicago Sky 86-49. And that game saw five Dream players reach double figures, led by Brittney Griner’s 15 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. And yes, it wasn’t just her as Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray also added 14 points each.

Even more impressive? Atlanta was missing a key starter in that game and still dominated—leading 41-23 by halftime. So, going up against a high-powered squad like that, Becky Hammon would need her MVP and Young to be on top of their games, especially when the Dream are 13-9 and hungry.

So, what’s going to happen? Well, ESPN has predicted just 53.9% chance at a win for the Aces.

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