It’s been a rocky start to the season for A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. Touted as title favorites heading into the season, the two-time WNBA champions have struggled to find their rhythm, going 5-5 to start the season. To make matters worse, they have also played their last two games without their best player.

After suffering their fifth loss of the season to the Phoenix Mercury, Becky Hammon and the Aces are back on the road. Next up? A match against the best team in the league right now, the Minnesota Lynx. With tip-off set for Tuesday, June 17 at 8:00 p.m. EST at the Target Center, here’s your full preview ahead of the clash between the Aces and the Lynx, from key injuries and projected lineups to a quick breakdown of what to expect. We have got you covered!

Las Vegas Aces vs Minnesota Lynx: Injury report

Cheryl Reeve will have nearly her full roster available for the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup clash. The Lynx will be hosting the Aces at near full strength. The only key absence? Jessica Shepard. She is all set to replace Slovenia in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket and will likely miss games till July 6, according to ESPN.

Things aren’t looking as bright for Becky Hammon and the Aces, however. According to the Underdog WNBA page, A’ja Wilson is set to miss her third straight game as she remains in concussion protocol. A big blow for the Aces! The reigning MVP has been a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 20.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2 steals per game. That’s not all! Wilson is the only player in the league to rank top-3 in four key statistical categories. It’s no wonder A’ja is out. After her injury, Aces coach Becky Hammon said, “She was bleeding. She’s going to go to the doctor tomorrow and see what’s going on. I don’t have anything beyond that.” 

To make matters worse for the Aces, they’ll also be without Megan Gustafson, who’s sidelined with a lower left leg injury. She’s hoping to return soon. “Really, it’s kind of up in the air, but the goal is to come back this season. We’re just gonna keep rehabbing as much as possible and try to get back as soon as possible.” Cheyenne Parker-Tyus also remains away as she prepares for the birth of her child.

Predicted starting 5

Minnesota Lynx

• Kaya McBride
• Courtney Williams
• Napheesa Collier
• Alanna Smith
• Bridget Carleton

Las Vegas Aces

• Chelsea Gray
• Tiffany Mitchell
• Jackie Young
• Jewell Loyd
• Kiah Stokes

Can the Aces win without A’ja Wilson against the Lynx?

The red-hot Minnesota Lynx (10-1) are just one win away from locking in their spot in the Commissioner’s Cup Final, and Tuesday night’s showdown against the struggling Las Vegas Aces (5-5) could be the clincher. With A’ja Wilson sidelined, the odds swing strongly in Minnesota’s favor. Speaking about odds, the Lynx have a moneyline of -395 as opposed to +310 for the Aces, according to the DraftKings sportsbooks. And when you look deep into the numbers, you understand why!

Overall, the numbers tell a clear story. The Aces currently sit 8th in the league with a net rating of -2.6, while the Lynx boast a dominant +12.6, second-best in the W. Offensively, the Napheesa Collier-led side are a force to be reckoned with. They rank second in points per game, offensive efficiency, and effective field goal percentage.

They average 85.9 points per contest, more than the 83.1 points the Aces give up. Meanwhile, Las Vegas is putting up just 80.8 points per game, only 4.9 more than what Minnesota’s stingy defense allows (75.9). On paper, this one leans heavily toward the red-hot Lynx.

ESPN Analytics reiterates the same sentiment, giving the Lynx a 70% chance to defeat the Aces. With momentum, a near-perfect record, and almost at full-strength, it’s quite hard not to have Lynx winning this game. But can the Aces dig deep and pull off a statement win without their talisman? Or will the Lynx continue their dominant run? Drop your predictions in the comments below!