The last time A’ja Wilson & Co. saw Dallas, the game was practically decided by the second quarter. Sure, it was just preseason, but the Wings spent most of that night shuffling lineups. The pace was there, but Dallas couldn’t control the boards. Vegas cleaned up and walked away with the win. Now, you’d expect Dallas to have patched up those holes for the next meeting, but unfortunately, Dallas is still in the “figuring-it-out” phase. The Wings have dropped 10 of their last 11 games. They’re sitting at the bottom of the standings, searching for answers. But they’re not the only ones struggling.

The Las Vegas squad has had a rocky stretch itself. If the Valkyries handed them a reality check on Sunday, then the Sparks made sure it stuck on Monday with a more brutal gut punch. And just as they return home for a Friday night matchup against the Wings, another storm brews – this time involving their biggest star.

A’ja Wilson’s status vs the Dallas Wings

Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson is listed as doubtful for tonight’s matchup against the Dallas Wings due to a head injury she suffered in the Aces’ loss to the Sparks. Wilson exited the game with just over a minute left in the third quarter and didn’t return.

According to Aces staff, she sustained a facial injury – presumably after being elbowed by former teammate Dearica Hamby during a layup attempt. Wilson immediately grabbed her face and was seen in visible discomfort as she headed to the bench. Coach Becky Hammon later confirmed that Wilson was scheduled to see a doctor on June 12, but didn’t provide any concrete update beyond that. As of now, her status remains uncertain but doubtful.

If Wilson doesn’t suit up, the Aces lose their top scorer, rebounder, and defensive anchor. It would also mean fans miss out on what could’ve been a marquee matchup between Wilson and a rookie sensation. In addition to Wilson, the Aces will also be missing Megan Gustafson and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, as both are officially ruled out. Joyner Holmes, on the other hand, is listed as probable.

On the Wings’ side, there are also multiple updates. DiJonai Carrington sustained a shoulder injury during their game against the Phoenix Mercury. She’s listed as probable. Myisha Hines-Allen is questionable with a lingering knee issue, while Tyasha Harris and Teaira McCowan will miss the game.

Predicted starting lineups

Las Vegas Aces:

• Kiah Stokes
• A’ja Wilson (If out, Elizabeth Kitley or Tiffany Mitchell may start)
• Chelsea Gray
• Jewell Loyd
• Jackie Young

Dallas Wings:

• Myisha Hines-Allen
• Luisa Geiselsoder
• Arike Ogunbowale
• DiJonai Carrington (If unavailable, NaLyssa Smith could return to the starting lineup)
• Paige Bueckers

How the matchup looks

This matchup is about more than just standings; it’s about pride. Both teams are searching for a much-needed reset. For the Aces, that reset needs to come after back-to-back losses. The recent losses have even put them in the fourth spot in the Western Conference. Then there’s Dallas, the last in the Western Conference. Despite the painful record, the team isn’t short on talent. But most of their losses haven’t even been close.

Bueckers was the lone bright spot against Phoenix, finishing with 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Arike Ogunbowale, usually their go-to scorer, struggled in that same game. Her inconsistency has hurt Dallas’ chances of closing out games. To add to it, unfortunately for them, history isn’t on their side. The Wings have not won a game in Las Vegas since 2018. 

Hence, the Aces, even with all their struggles, might dominate Dallas on their home court. A matchup against the struggling Dallas Wings is the perfect opportunity for A’ja Wilson & Co. to breathe in confidence again. Even without Wilson, the combination of Young, Gray, and Loyd could prove too much.

Our pick: The Las Vegas Aces. The reason? The current form and the strength of their opponent.