Why A'ja Wilson is not playing in Aces-Liberty clash

WNBA MVP favorite A'ja Wilson has been ruled out for Sunday's Las Vegas Aces-New York Liberty game, per Alexa Philippou of ESPN. The Aces superstar is dealing with a leg injury. It goes without saying, but Las Vegas will need Wilson in the playoffs. The hope is that this is a precautionary move, but the team will provide further updates.

The Aces have struggled against the Liberty in 2024. Earning a victory on Sunday will be difficult on the road amid Wilson's absence. The Aces feature enough depth to still make things interesting, but Las Vegas will need to utilize a complete team effort in order to defeat the Liberty in New York.

Wilson currently leads the WNBA with 27.3 points and 2.7 blocks per game. She is also averaging 11.9 rebounds per outing and shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from deep. Wilson, who is already a two-time WNBA MVP Award winner, is expected to win her third career MVP this season.

The Aces still have work to do, though. They are trying to clinch the best possible seed for the postseason. They currently trail the Liberty, Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx. The 22-12 Aces would love to move up a spot or two before the regular season comes to an end.

A'ja Wilson's availability may ultimately determine how well Las Vegas fares moving forward, however. The Aces will do everything they can to upset the Liberty on Sunday afternoon despite the absence of arguably the best player in the WNBA.