Why is A'ja Wilson not playing tonight against Mercury? Latest update on Aces superstar's status

Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson will miss the game against the Phoenix Mercury at the Michelob ULTRA Arena due to a concussion.

She suffered the injury during the Aces' 97-89 loss to the LA Sparks on Wednesday and had missed the previous game against the Dallas Wings. Wilson is set to miss a second straight game on Sunday as she follows the league's concussion protocols.

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The injury to the reigning MVP occurred in the third quarter against the Sparks. Wilson, who went up to defend a drive towards the basket, was hit in the face by Dearica Hamby, taking her out. The center exited with 1:17 left in the quarter and was seen pulling a towel to her nose.

Aces coach Becky Hammon gave an update on Wilson after the game, explaining that she was bleeding from her head. On evaluation, the Aces superstar entered the league's concussion protocol, which resulted in her missing the 88-84 win over the Wings.

According to ESPN, Wilson is yet to recover from her concussion and will sit out the Mercury game on Sunday. Her absence will be a huge blow for the Aces, who returned to winning ways with a scrappy victory over a struggling Wings team.

The Mercury will be a tougher opposition as they continue to impress under Satou Sabally's leadership. Meanwhile, the Aces will continue to rely on Jackie Young in Wilson's absence, while Elizabeth Kitley will replace her in the starting five.

A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo were spotted together as the Aces downed the Dallas Wings in Wilson's absence

Basketball power couple A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo were spotted together during the Aces' game against the Dallas Wings on Friday. The duo was at the Michelob ULTRA Arena to support Las Vegas, who won despite Wilson's absence.

Sitting out of the game due to a concussion protocol, the couple made a rare public appearance in Vegas. A fan on X (formerly Twitter) shared a clip of the duo in the crowd.

"A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo at the game 😭😭," the fan wrote.

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The Aces earned a hard-fought victory in Wilson's absence, snapping a two-game losing streak. Guards Jackie Young and Jewell Lloyd led the team with 28 and 21 points, respectively.

About the author

Arian Kashyap is a basketball journalist at Sportskeeda with over two years of experience at Essentially Sports and Spice Bite and a Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports Sciences.

Arian's favorite team is the Miami Heat and it’s mainly down to Dwyane Wade being his favorite player of all time. Arian loved how explosive Wade was as a player and he had all the attributes, whether that be shooting, defending or passing. Arian really liked how he won titles both with and without a dynasty behind him.

Arian has also worked with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and was the manager for a Delhi-based women’s team called Garwhal Untied. Garwhal won the Delhi league and were runners-up during his tenure.

Arian has judged essay writing competitions for the Commonwealth Students Welfare Group of India in 2023 and was a part of the U-14 team for the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools academy that qualified for the AIFF Round in 2023.

When not working or watching sports, Arian likes riding his motorcycle and reading.

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Edited by Bhargav