AWFUL: Aces Star A’ja Wilson Listed as Doubtful After Head Injury; Friday’s Matchup With Paige Bueckers in Jeopardy.

Las Vegas Aces center and three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson may be sidelined for Friday night’s highly anticipated game against the Dallas Wings after suffering a head injury during Wednesday’s 97–89 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.

Wilson, who exited the game following an apparent elbow to the head from Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, is currently listed as doubtful. “She was bleeding and couldn’t return,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said after the game. Wilson was set to undergo further evaluation on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury.

Her absence would deprive fans of a marquee showdown with Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, who recently returned from a concussion and illness. Bueckers posted an impressive 35 points in Dallas’ 93–80 loss to Phoenix on Wednesday. The Aces, now 4–4, are trying to rebound after back-to-back defeats and ongoing defensive issues.

Wilson has been a dominant force this season, averaging 20.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game, with four double-doubles and multiple 30-point performances, according to Mark Anderson of the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Dallas off to a 1–10 start will be without several players, including Tyasha Harris (knee) and Teaira McCowan (national team commitments). DiJonai Carrington (shoulder) is listed as probable, and Myisha Hines-Allen (knee) remains questionable. The two teams previously met in a preseason contest on May 2 at Notre Dame, which served as a symbolic return for stars like Arike Ogunbowale, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd. JJ Quinerly led Dallas with 16 points, while Young dropped 28 for Las Vegas.

 

A’ja Wilson Unveils New “Storm” Colorway of Nike A’One Signature Shoe

 

Wilson also debuted a new “Storm” player-exclusive version of her hit Nike A’One sneakers during the Sparks game. The asymmetrical design features one shoe in black, gray, and blue with a lightning theme and yellow Swoosh, while the other flips the color scheme to white and black. Both pairs include storm-themed graphics, contrasting heel tabs, and Wilson’s red signature logo on the tongue. The shoe retains its full-length Cushlon midsole, Phylon carrier, TPU frame, and a tonal rubber outsole.